Norway to build underwater tunnel that could cut travel time in half
- The Rogfast project will connect Randaberg and Bokn across a 16-mile wide body of water.
- Toll charges of around £30 will apply to drivers using the tunnel, which is estimated to cost £1.6 billion.
- Once completed by 2033, the tunnel will vastly improve travel efficiency and reduce reliance on weather-permitting ferry services.
Norway is set to embark on the construction of an ambitious 16.5-mile underwater tunnel, known as Rogfast, intended to significantly reduce travel time along the E39 coastal highway. This project will connect the districts of Randaberg and Bokn, crossing a substantial 16-mile wide body of water. Currently, travelers face a grueling 21-hour journey, complete with seven ferry crossings that can be disrupted by inclement weather. Upon completion, the Rogfast tunnel is expected to save about 11 hours of travel time, allowing a more reliable and efficient route for commuters. Plans for this significant infrastructure upgrade date back to 2017 when they received parliamentary approval. However, the project faced delays due to budgetary constraints and contracting issues in 2019. The new tunnel aims to address long-standing transportation challenges, such as the dependence on ferry services that are often plagued by delays, ensuring that road transport remains viable in all weather conditions. This endeavor is part of a larger 36 billion euro investment in the E39 highway, with 40% of the funding provided by taxpayers and the remainder expected to be recouped through toll charges. Drivers will pay approximately £30 to cross the tunnel, which is designed with a four-lane dual tunnel system that will allow a crossing time of just 35 minutes. The project manager, Oddvar Kaarmo, expresses the necessity of completing extensive construction within a tight timeframe, emphasizing the importance of effective logistics in overcoming the challenges of such a complex infrastructure project. Once operational, Rogfast will set a record, overtaking the Norwegian Laerdal tunnel as the longest and deepest subsea road tunnel in the world. The anticipated completion date for this monumental undertaking is projected for 2033, significantly enhancing connectivity along Norway's critical roadway.