If your vehicle is on fire or emitting smoke in a road tunnel, stop on the shoulder if possible, switch off the engine, get everyone out and move away from the vehicle and smoke. Call 995 from safety. Give the tunnel name, direction of travel and a visible marker or emergency exit label. LTA guidance on expressway and tunnel emergencies SCDF emergency medical services
If another vehicle or an incident ahead is producing smoke, follow the overhead lane signs, public announcements and responders’ directions. Leave via the nearest available exit if you can drive out safely. A red X closes the lane. If all lanes show a red X, stop and follow instructions. LTA guidance on expressway and tunnel emergencies LTA road tunnel signs and emergency exits
- If your vehicle is burning, get people clear and call 995.
- Follow lane signals and tunnel announcements.
- If directed to evacuate on foot, switch off the engine and follow the indicated route away from smoke.
On this page
- Understand the signs above your lane
- Find the correct route if told to evacuate on foot
- What to tell SCDF or the tunnel control centre
- Frequently asked questions
Understand the signs above your lane
A green arrow indicates an open lane. A flashing amber cross tells you to prepare to change lanes because a closure lies ahead. A red cross closes that lane. If all lanes are closed, stop and listen for instructions. LTA may issue messages through tunnel announcements, traffic signs and local radio. LTA guidance on expressway and tunnel emergencies LTA road tunnel signs and emergency exits
If you are a passenger, help the driver listen for instructions and read the location details once safe. Keep the exit route clear when the vehicle stops and leave belongings if they would delay an evacuation.
Find the correct route if told to evacuate on foot
LTA identifies emergency escape staircases in the CTE, KPE, MCE and Sentosa Gateway tunnels. The CTE, KPE and MCE also have signed pedestrian cross passages. For Woodsville and Fort Canning tunnels, LTA directs people towards the tunnel entrance away from the incident or smoke. Follow the directions for the tunnel you are in. LTA guidance on expressway and tunnel emergencies LTA road tunnel signs and emergency exits
Keep children with their supervising adult and tell responders if anyone needs help with steps or walking. Leave the vehicle behind if instructed to evacuate. Use the directed route without returning to the car for bags. LTA guidance on expressway and tunnel emergencies
What to tell SCDF or the tunnel control centre
Give the tunnel, direction, lane or side and an exit label or marker if visible. Say where the smoke is, whether anyone is trapped and whether the vehicle is electric if you know. LTA identifies emergency SOS phones as a way to reach its Operations Control Centre. Use one only if you can get to it safely. LTA guidance on expressway and tunnel emergencies SCDF emergency medical services
A passenger example
A driver stops at the shoulder when smoke comes from the car. The passengers get clear and one calls 995. They report the tunnel name and direction and then follow the instructions about the pedestrian exit.
Frequently asked questions
What if the alarms sound but I can still drive?
Follow the signs and announcements. LTA advises driving out via the nearest available exit where possible and stopping if all lanes show red crosses. LTA guidance on expressway and tunnel emergencies
Can I go back after reaching an exit?
Stay out until responders tell you where it is safe to go. Give them the location of anyone or anything left behind.
Sources
- LTA guidance on expressway and tunnel emergencies
- SCDF emergency medical services
- LTA road tunnel signs and emergency exits