A review of the impact of the RingRing study for multifunctional motorway tunnels in the Netherlands and beyond

In the early 1990s, it became clear that tunnelling as Dutch engineers knew was about to change fundamentally. Local governments, pressure groups and individuals had become aware of the added value that underground space technology (tunnelling) could bring, giving rise to the next generation of multifunctional road and rail tunnel projects. This article reports on the outcome of a landmark study that focused on the new opportunities that multifunctional tunnels for motorways offer: RingRing. The RingRing study includes a concise state-of-the-art exploration of path-finding projects, delivers a solid methodology for dealing with the many design decisions during the conceptual phase of the multidisciplinary project, proposes a set of generic concepts that respond to the four key challenges faced by multifunctional tunnels, conducts two showcase design study projects, and provides an overall analysis of the applicability of multifunctional tunnels for integrating orbital motorways in large cities such as Amsterdam and Rotterdam. Eight years after the publication of the RingRing study, the first projects it identified are built. Others projects have not yet made it off the drawing board. This article looks back to assess what has been accomplished and draws lessons learned in order to be able to improve future projects.

Research highlights► A new type of tunnel emerged in the Netherlands: the multifunctional motorway tunnel. ► Tunnel safety has priority over costs, environmental quality and multifunctional use. ► A multifunctional tunnel can be as safe as a comparable aboveground motorway. ► A fully covered tunnel is likely to reduce the environmental quality next to its ends. ► A tunnel concept that is in tune with its assignment can save up to 20–33% in costs.