Norway is once again pushing the boundaries of engineering with its ambitious plans for a 16.5-mile-long underwater megatunnels that promises to revolutionize transportation in the country. Already known for the Lærdal Tunnel, the longest underpass in the world, Norway is about to break its own record with a new project set to cost more than £1.6 billion ($1.9 billion).

Let’s dive into the details of this game-changing infrastructure project—Rogfast—and explore how it will reshape Norway’s transportation landscape.

A Record-Breaking Tunnel: Size and Depth

Norway’s tunnel-building expertise is legendary, and the upcoming Rogfast project will set a new standard. Not only will this underpass be the longest underwater passage in the world, but it will also be the deepest, reaching a maximum depth of 1,300 feet. To put it in perspective, that’s deeper than the height of the Empire State Building!

Credits: National park service

The underpass will connect Randaberg and Bokn, two districts that are currently separated by the challenging E39 coastal highway. This existing highway, running from Trondheim in the north to Kristiansand in the south, takes a staggering 21 hours to travel from end to end. With the Rogfast tunnels, that journey will be reduced by 11 hours, making a significant impact on travel times and improving connectivity.

A Journey in Just 35 Minutes

One of the most impressive features of the Rogfast megatunnels is its travel time. Once completed, the entire journey through the tunnel will take only 35 minutes—a far cry from the lengthy ferry rides and delayed crossings that often plague travelers. Currently, the route is interrupted by seven ferry crossings, which are frequently delayed due to weather conditions. The Rogfast tunnels will eliminate these interruptions, making travel far more predictable and efficient.

Oddvar Kaarmo, the Rogfast project manager, emphasized the importance of removing weather dependence. He pointed out that ferries are often forced to divert to other ports during the harsh winter months. With the new tunnels, travelers will no longer have to rely on the whims of the weather to keep their journey on track.

A Massive Investment: £36 Billion for the E39 Upgrade

The Rogfast project is just one part of an even more extensive upgrade of the E39 highway, a £36 billion initiative aimed at improving the entire stretch of the road. Norway plans to build more tunnels and infrastructure to enhance road safety and reduce travel times for people across the country.

Almost half of the funding for the Rogfast tunnels will come from taxpayers, while the rest will be covered by toll fees once the tunnels is operational. With construction already underway since 2018, the project faced some delays due to the COVID-19 pandemic, but it’s expected to be completed by 2033, nearly a decade later than initially planned.

The Road Ahead: What’s Next for Norway?

As the construction of Rogfast continues, there’s no denying the ambitious nature of this project. By slashing travel times, improving safety, and offering a weather-proof alternative to ferry crossings, the new tunnels will become a critical link in Norway’s transportation infrastructure.

Despite the high price tag, the long-term benefits are clear. The Rogfast project not only boosts Norway’s status as a leader in tunnels engineering but also sets a precedent for large-scale transportation projects worldwide. The country’s commitment to innovation and progress is evident in its dedication to pushing the limits of what’s possible, and Rogfast will undoubtedly be a landmark achievement in modern infrastructure.

So, in just a few years, Norwegians and visitors alike will experience the thrill of zipping through a record-breaking underwater tunnels—a true testament to the power of human ingenuity and ambition.