ABSTRACT
Since more than 30 years long tunnels with a total length of more than 50 kilometres exist. Many of them show a different tunnel system: double track tunnels with service tunnel, two single track tunnels and two single track tunnels with a service tunnel are the existing systems. The decision on the tunnel system of this long tunnels had to be taken at a time when only few information on operation and maintenance costs were available. Today more information on operation and maintenance should be available. The paper shows, how the decision-making process could be adapted today considering the criteria construction, operation and safety and life cycle. Recommendations on the selection of the tunnel system will be given, based on the available operation experience of the long tunnel railway tunnels.
