World’s longest underwater ‘megatunnel’ to cut 21-hour coastal drive into half

Norway is preparing to build the world’s longest and deepest road tunnel, known as The Rogfast, at an estimated cost of $46 billion (£36 billion). Reports add that the tunnel is scheduled to open in 2033, and that this groundbreaking structure will span 16 miles and reach a depth of 1,300 feet beneath the sea, connecting Randaberg and Bokn in Rogaland county.

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By doing away with the need for ferries and drastically cutting down on commuting times along the E39 coastal highway, the Rogfast tunnel is set to transform transport between southern and northern Norway. The tunnel will save travellers up to 11 hours by reducing the 680-mile trip from Kristiansand to Trondheim by 30 miles, which currently takes about 21 hours. The tunnel is anticipated to see 6,000 vehicle usage per day, allowing for more seamless links to large cities such as Bergen and Stavanger. The underwater journey is only going to take 35 minutes, despite its record-breaking size.

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Funding for the project is partially supported by the government, covering 40% of the costs, with a proposed £30 toll for users. Rogfast project leader Oddvar Kaarmo highlighted the tunnel’s importance, stating, “The port at Mortavika is exposed, and ferries are often diverted during winter due to bad weather. Once the tunnel is ready, we won’t depend on weather conditions to keep the route open.” He further stressed that logistics play a larger role than tunneling in completing this complex endeavor.

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There have been large-scale infrastructure projects in Norway before. Connecting Lærdal and Aurland in Vestland county, the 15-mile Laerdal Tunnel is currently the longest subaqueous road tunnel in the world. At a cost of £90 million, the tunnel was finished in 2000 and serves as a vital non-ferry connection between Bergen and Oslo. As a tourist destination, it provides travellers with an unforgettable experience across the Flåm fjord and the Aurlandsfjellet plateau. Notable features include the Snow Road and the 800-year-old Borgund Stave Church, which is often suggested by Visit Norway.

The Rogfast tunnel, once complete, will not only enhance Norway’s infrastructure but also cement its leadership in innovative engineering and sustainable travel solutions. It promises to set a new benchmark in undersea construction while offering a reliable and efficient alternative to ferries, making Norway’s scenic routes even more accessible.