Norway plans to complete the world’s longest and deepest road tunnel by 2033, setting new global engineering. This underwater tunnel, Rogfast, will stretch 16 miles beneath the seabed connecting Randaberg and Bokn in Rogaland County.
For now, travelers use ferries to bridge this distance, which prolongs journeys due to unreliable winter weather. The tunnel forms part of Norway’s E39 coastal highway upgrade, aimed at improving connectivity between Kristiansand and Trondheim. By eliminating ferry crossings, Rogfast will cut 11 hours from the 21-hour trip along the 680-mile route.
Commuters traveling to Stavanger and Bergen will save time and avoid disruptions caused by ferry delays. The journey through the tunnel will take approximately 35 minutes, offering a faster and weather-proof solution.
The Norwegian government primarily funds the project, contributing nearly 40% of the £36 billion budget. However, travelers can expect a £30 toll to drive through the tunnel, which is expected to be used by an estimated 6,000 vehicles daily.
Project manager Oddvar Kaarmo highlighted the logistical benefits of this venture. “The port at Mortavika is quite exposed and in the winter, ferries sometimes have to divert to another port,” he explained. He further stated that when the tunnel is finished, travel will not depend on the weather.
Engineers will excavate the tunnel through solid rock at a depth of 1,300 feet below the water surface. The project also lays the groundwork for further innovations, such as sea-floating tunnels. With Rogfast, Norway aims to redefine modern transportation while offering a long-term alternative to ferry travel.
Through this drastic E39 coastal highway upgrade, Rogfast will enhance regional mobility, bolster tourism, and stimulate economic growth across Norway. Once complete, the world’s longest and deepest road tunnel will transform Norway’s infrastructure, making commutes more efficient for millions of people.
