New CETU guidelines for developing and implementing Safety Management Systems (SMS) in road tunnels

Since the fires that occurred between 1999 and 2005 in Alpine road tunnels, changes in the regulatory framework have laid the foundations for the current safety approach. These include technical standards, procedures covering the entire life cycle of the structure, and the roles and responsibilities of the various stakeholders.

The SMS structures this approach and ensures its effective implementation over time.
The CETU, which has been assisting regional French road directorates in developing their tunnel safety management systems since 2017, is pleased to announce that it has now published guidelines to help tunnel operators wishing to adopt a similar approach. This document first provides the main definitions and introduces the different players in a SMS, then details each of its components. It goes on to present a methodology for developing and implementing a SMS.

These guidelines can also be used by tunnel operators who wish to focus on a specific topic, such as skills management or safety culture, without necessarily committing to a full safety management system approach.

To consult the document, (in French) click here.

An English version will be available in the autumn of 2026.