At 25 km long and costing R$277 billion, the Rogfast tunnel will be the longest and deepest in the world. It will save 11 hours of travel time and boost the Norwegian economy by eliminating the need for ferries. An engineering milestone that connects the future with the present. Find out how this project will impact mobility in Norway!
In Norway, a titanic engineering project is about to transform mobility between two crucial regions of the country.
While the idea of traversing the depths of a fjord in a road tunnel may sound like a science fiction scenario, this is the new reality promised by Rogfast.
But what makes this work so impressive? In addition to breaking global records, it has the potential to halve the time of a long journey and promises to revolutionize the connection between important Norwegian cities.
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The project and its impressive features
Rogfast will be the world's longest and deepest underwater road tunnel. At 25km long, it will run through rocks beneath a Norwegian fjord, connecting the municipalities of Randaberg and Bokn in Rogaland county.
As reported by World Highways, the estimated total cost is a staggering £36 billion (approximately R$277 billion).
Currently, residents have to rely on ferries to cross from one point to another.
The tunnel will not only eliminate this dependency, it will also drastically reduce travel times.
Today, the route connecting the southern city of Stavanger to the northern city of Bergen takes around 21 hours to travel.. With Rogfast, this journey will be completed in less than half that time.
Furthermore, the tunnel’s strategic location will benefit other cities on the E39 highway, which connects Kristiansand in the far south to Trondheim in northern Norway.
Road infrastructure will be significantly improved, increasing safety and efficiency in daily travel.
Economic and social impacts
Rogfast is more than an infrastructure project; it is a catalyst for economic development.
Stavanger is a central hub for the North Sea oil industry, while Bergen is equally important for the oil and fishing sectors.
The faster and more efficient connection between these cities promises to stimulate commercial and industrial activities in the region.
As planners point out, around 6.000 vehicles are expected to use the tunnel daily.
This estimate reflects not only the local impact, but also the relevance of the route to the southwest of the country, benefiting millions of people living in that area.
Furthermore, tourism should also be positively impacted. Norway is already famous for its natural landscapes and modern infrastructure.
Rogfast could become an attraction in its own right, highlighting Norway's ability to turn geographical challenges into engineering milestones.
Additional benefits: time and cost savings
One of the most outstanding aspects of the project is its ability to save time.
According to estimates, Rogfast will shorten the journey by around 11 hours by replacing seven ferries currently operating in the fjord.
Furthermore, the underground crossing will take just 35 minutes, offering a quick and efficient solution for travelers and carriers.
The financing for the work will be divided between the Norwegian government and users.
The government will cover around 40% of the costs, while the remainder will be covered through tolls of £30 (approximately R$230) charged to each vehicle.
Another notable benefit is the reduction in fuel consumption. By eliminating ferries and optimizing the route, Rogfast will help reduce carbon emissions, aligning with Norway’s climate commitments.
Breaking records
When completed, Rogfast will replace the Lærdal Tunnel as the longest road tunnel in the world.
Lærdal, also located in Norway, is proof of the country's pioneering role in this type of infrastructure.
The new work represents a significant advance, both in terms of scope and depth, consolidating Norway as a global reference in engineering.
Furthermore, Rogfast is a landmark that symbolizes the human ability to overcome natural barriers. The combination of technological innovation and strategic planning makes this project an example to be followed by other countries.
How Rogfast compares to other global projects
The scale and ambition of Rogfast sets Norway apart on a global stage. Few countries have such impressive underwater tunnels.
The project also reflects a commitment to infrastructure solutions that prioritize sustainability and efficiency.
For example, although there are remarkable underwater tunnels In China and Japan, Rogfast stands out for its depth and direct impact on the lives of thousands of people.
The work demonstrates how engineering can be used to connect communities and strengthen regional economies.
What does the future hold for Norwegian transport?
Rogfast is not just a feat of engineering; it is a glimpse into the future of transport in Norway.
Its promised completion will bring significant transformations, boosting the economy, tourism and the quality of life of citizens.
Furthermore, the project may inspire similar initiatives in other countries with similar geographical challenges. With its combination of innovation, efficiency and sustainability, Rogfast serves as a model for future mega-constructions.
With so many expectations, the question remains: Would you travel through the world's longest and deepest underwater tunnel, trusting Norwegian engineering for a safe journey?