The Brenner Base Tunnel - a new link through the Alps

17 Linking the emergency stops with the outside area allows fresh air intake and, if necessary, the generation of positive air pressure inside the tunnel, thus preventing smoke from spreading through the entire tunnel system. This ensures there is always fresh air in the crossways. The order of rescue measures in the tunnel 1. Emergency stop: In case of fire the train never stops in the tunnel, it only stops at the next emergency station. 3. Evacuation from the train: Passengers leave the train and proceed to the escape doors. These lead directly to the central tunnel through the connecting tunnels (every 90 m). 4. Evacuation from the tunnel: Passengers wait in the safe central tunnel for the rescue train and board on arrival. An alternative rescue route is directly via the access tunnel. 2. Smoke extraction: Using fresh air, the tunnel ventilation system generates overpressure in the central tunnel and in all connecting tunnels which keeps all escape routes free of smoke. Detailed view of connecting tunnels and exhaust air crosscut west tunnel central service tunnel connecting tunnel escape door exhaust air crosscut intermediate ceiling exhaust air dampers escape door exploratory tunnel east tunnel