Tunnel relief device

A tunnel relief device for ensuring safe and unobstructed movement of vehicles in a tunnel, the tunnel relief device comprising:

• a generally arcuate frame member comprising roller elements positioned proximal to a lower region of the generally arcuate frame member, wherein the generally arcuate frame member traverses along a length of the tunnel via operable engagement of the roller elements with first guide rails positioned on an inner surface of the tunnel;
• at least two fire-extinguishing arms positioned on an inner surface of the generally arcuate frame member, wherein the at least two fire-extinguishing arms are configured to traverse along the inner surface of the generally arcuate frame member via second guide rails, and wherein each of the at least two fire-extinguishing arms comprises a nozzle for targeting and extinguishing fire induced in the tunnel;
• and
• a transport assembly housed in an upper region of the generally arcuate frame member, the transport assembly comprising:
• extendable arms movable in one of a horizontal direction and a vertical direction, each of the extendable arms comprising prongs for positioning beneath wheels of the vehicles to transport the vehicles from a first position to a second position;
• and
• wherein the transport assembly is rotatably engaged to the upper region of the generally arcuate frame member to transport the vehicles in the tunnel from the first position to the second position to ensure safe and unobstructed movement of the vehicles in the tunnel.

A method for ensuring safe and unobstructed movement of vehicles in a tunnel, the method comprising:

• providing a tunnel relief device comprising:
• a generally arcuate frame member;
• at least two fire-extinguishing arms;
• and
• a transport assembly comprising extendable arms;
• locating a position of an affected vehicle;
• positioning the tunnel relief device above the affected vehicle;
• positioning prongs of the extendable arms beneath wheels of the affected vehicle;
• lifting the affected vehicle from a first position;
• and
• transporting the affected vehicle to a second position for ensuring safe and unobstructed movement of vehicles in a tunnel.