It was reported that Norway is creating the world's longest and deepest underwater tunnel. According to CNN, this tunnel is called "Rogfast." With a total length of 27 kilometres, it is located in the Rogaland region of Norway. The deepest point of the tunnel is 392 meters below sea level.
Project history and costs
Construction of the Rogfast tunnel began in January 2018, but some parts of the work were suspended in 2019 due to increased project costs. These changes led to a review of the project agreements. Construction work resumed in 2021, and the tunnel is scheduled to be commissioned in 2033. The total cost of the project is estimated at approximately 25 billion Norwegian kronor, or 2.4 billion dollars.
Reduce travel time
The Rogfast Tunnel, replacing the current ferry routes, will reduce the time between Norway's second and fourth largest cities - Bergen and Stavanger - by approximately 40 minutes. This will make travel easier and more efficient.
The tunnel consists of two pipes, with two passageways located in each pipe. At a depth of 260 meters above sea level, a bypass road will be built simultaneously in the tunnel. This road connects to a tunnel leading to the country's smallest municipality, Quitsay Island.
Technological difficulties of construction
The construction of long underwater tunnels is always associated with significant technological difficulties. The Rogfast Tunnel is also being excavated simultaneously from both ends to meet modern requirements.
Part of a grand plan
The Rogfast Tunnel is part of the repair plan for the E39 coastal highway. This route extends from Tronheim in the north to Kristiansand in the south and currently takes 21 hours with 7 ferry services alone. The project is aimed at crossing the route without ferries and halving travel time.
Air pollution protection
During the construction of the tunnel, special ventilation systems are installed to protect drivers from air pollution. Air circulation is carried out through ventilation shafts extending to the Kvitsoy River. Also, in cases of closed air in the tunnel, traffic jams are detected in real time through surveillance cameras and radar, and a warning system is activated.
Current longest tunnel
Currently, the longest underwater tunnel in the world is the Seikan Tunnel, located in Japan, with a length of 53.3 kilometers and an underwater section of 23.3 kilometers. The Rogfast Tunnel is being built to test this record and will be equipped with new technological solutions compared to previous tunnels.
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