Drive Through the 10 Longest Tunnels on Earth — You Won't Believe Their Length!
Tunnels are some of the most amazing marvels of engineering. But the world's longest tunnels are definitely not the place for a car to break down. The great breakthrough in engineering and construction has ensured infrastructure today with a high level.
The tunnels on this list are the longest ones in the world. Some of them go through mountains and even water to meet the needs of highways and roads. But all of them handle traffic in efficient ways. Tunnels are real architectural wonders that are likely to originate from the caves that ancient people used as their homes. Then tunnels were used as secret passages, usually underground, as well as shelters from enemies. In our days, tunnels are built for other purposes: they allow people to move in the most inaccessible places. Some of them have overcome technological challenges and numerous geographical and morphological difficulties.
What are the longest tunnels in the world?
Boknafjord Tunnel
Located in Norway, Boknafjord Tunnel will be the longest and deepest underwater road tunnel in the world, stretching 27 kilometers and reaching a depth of 392 meters below sea level. As part of the Rogfast project, it will connect Randaberg and Bokn, with a spur to Kvitsøy. Slated for completion in 2033, the tunnel will include advanced safety systems, a roundabout inside, and will be a key part of the E39 highway.
Lærdal Tunnel
Built in 2000, the Lærdal tunnel is located in Norway (Lærdal - Aurland). It’s part of the E16 road. It’s 24,510 km (15.2 mi) long. It’s 1 tube, and is the longest road tunnel in the world.
Yamate Tunnel
Built between 2010-2015, the Yamate Tunnel is located in Japan (Tokyo). It’s part of the C2, Shuto Expressway. It’s 18,200 km (11.5 mi) long. It’s 2 tubes, and is the longest in-city road tunnel in the world.
Zhongnanshan Tunnel
Built in 2007, the Zhongnanshan Tunnel is located in China (Shaanxi). It’s part of the G65, Xi'an-Zhashui Expressway. It’s 18.04 km (11.2 mi) long. It’s 2 tubes.
Jinpingshan Tunnel
Built in 2007, the Jinpingshan Tunnel is located in China (Sichuan). It’s located between the sites of Jinping-I and Jinping-II Hydropower Stations. It’s 17.540 km (10.9 mi) long. It’s 2 tubes.
St. Gotthard Tunnel
Built in 1980, the St. Gotthard Tunnel is located in Switzerland (Uri - Ticino). It’s part of the A2/E35. It’s 16,918 km (10.5 mi) long. It’s 1 tube. It was the world's longest tunnel between 1980-2000.
Arlberg Tunnel
Built in 1978, the Arlberg Tunnel is located in Austria (Vorarlberg - Tyrol). It’s part of the S16/E60. It’s 13,972 km (8.7 mi) long. It’s 1 tube. It was the world's longest tunnel between 1979-1980.
Xishan Tunnel
Built in 2012, the Xishan Tunnel is located in China (Shanxi). It’s part of the S56 Shanxi Taiyuan-Gujiao Expressway. It’s 13,654 km (8.5 mi) long. It’s 2 tubes.
Hongtiguan Tunnel
Built in 2013, the Hongtiguan Tunnel is located in China (Shanxi). It’s part of the S76 Shanxi Changzhi-Pingshun Expressway. It’s 13,122 km (8.2 mi) long. It’s 2 tubes.
Hsuehshan Tunnel
Built in 2006, the Hsuehshan Tunnel is located in Taiwan. It’s part of Road 5. It’s 12,942 km (8.0 mi) long. It’s 2 tubes.
Fréjus Tunnel
Built in 1980, the Fréjus Tunnel is located between France and Italy. It’s part of the E70. It’s 12,895 km (8.0 mi) long. It’s 1 tube.