Norway is advancing with plans to create the world’s longest and deepest road tunnel, The Rogfast, a groundbreaking infrastructure project with an estimated cost of $46 billion (£36 billion). Set to open in 2033, this monumental tunnel will stretch 16 miles and reach a depth of 1,300 feet beneath the sea, connecting Randaberg and Bokn in Rogaland county.
The Rogfast tunnel will drastically improve travel along Norway’s E39 coastal highway by removing the need for ferries and significantly cutting down commute times. The 680-mile journey from Kristiansand to Trondheim, which currently takes about 21 hours, will be reduced by 30 miles and save up to 11 hours. With an anticipated daily traffic of 6,000 vehicles, the tunnel will enhance connectivity between major cities like Bergen and Stavanger. Despite its record-breaking length and depth, the underwater passage will only take 35 minutes.
Partially funded by the Norwegian government, which is contributing 40% of the project’s cost, the Rogfast tunnel will be supported by a toll system, with a proposed fee of £30 per vehicle. The tunnel’s construction will eliminate the dependency on weather-affected ferry routes, particularly at Mortavika, where winter storms frequently cause delays. This will ensure year-round, uninterrupted access for both commuters and businesses.
Norway has a rich history of large-scale infrastructure projects, including the Laerdal Tunnel in Vestland county. Currently the longest subaqueous road tunnel in the world, the 15-mile Laerdal Tunnel, completed in 2000, cost £90 million and serves as a crucial link between Bergen and Oslo, offering a unique and scenic experience for travelers.
The Rogfast project represents a major leap forward for Norway’s transportation infrastructure, demonstrating the country’s commitment to innovation in engineering and sustainable development. With a growing need for efficient transportation links between its islands and mainland, this tunnel is expected to stimulate economic growth and provide long-term benefits to the regions it serves. Additionally, the tunnel is set to play a key role in reducing the country’s carbon footprint by providing a more eco-friendly alternative to ferry transportation.
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via >EPR
