Norway is close to completing a monumental engineering feat: the world’s longest underwater tunnel . This ambitious project, known as Rogfast, stretches for 26 kilometres through the Norwegian Sea and will reach depths of up to 400 metres underwater.
Construction, which will cost a total of $46 billion , is expected to open in 2033. The new tunnel will connect the towns of Randaberg and Bokn, significantly improving connectivity between the south and north of the country.
A project that will change transport in Norway
Currently, the only means of transport between Randaberg and Bokn is a ferry, making the journey long and expensive. With the undersea tunnel , travel time will be drastically reduced. The E39 highway, which connects Kristiansand and Trondheim, will see a reduction of 11 hours , as travellers will be able to avoid several ferry transfer points. This will reduce the 680-mile journey to just 35 minutes via Rogfast.
This development, in addition to representing a logistical benefit for local residents, will bring a positive impact on sustainable transport and tourism in the region. With an approximate toll of £30, the tunnel is expected to be used by around 6,000 vehicles daily .
Rogfast: an unprecedented engineering challenge
The Norwegian government has had to overcome complex geographical challenges to create a tunnel capable of crossing the deepest fjords in the region. Advanced technology, such as floating tunnels anchored to the seabed , will be key to overcome the deepest areas and avoid passing through difficult maritime areas.
Rogfast will surpass the record of the Lærdal Tunnel , which currently holds the title of being the longest underwater road in the world at 24 kilometres . Although the construction of the new tunnel will be much more expensive, the economic impact will be significant, especially for trade and export of goods along the Norwegian coast.
Rogfast’s modern infrastructure will enable Norway to move towards a more efficient regional connection. As the tunnel facilitates the movement of vehicles, nearby cities such as Stavanger and Bergen are expected to experience improved mobility. In addition, the time savings and elimination of weather dependencies for ferries will have a direct impact on the local economy.
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Source and photo: The Mirror
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