The World's Longest Road Tunnel is Being Planned — and It Will Include a Roundabout
At 27 kilometers in length and nearly 400 meters deep, the Boknafjord Tunnel will revolutionize transport in Norway and drastically cut travel times along the west coast. It's one of the longest tunnels in the world.
Rogaland Fixed Link: Norway’s Bold Vision
Rogaland Fixed Link, or simply Rogfast, is a project constructing a sub-sea road tunnel in Rogaland County, Norway, running between the municipalities of Randaberg (near the city of Stavanger) and Bokn, with a spur connecting to the island municipality of Kvitsøy. Once operational, the Boknafjord Tunnel will become both the longest underwater road tunnel in the world, with a length of 27 kilometers (17 mi), and the deepest tunnel overall, reaching 392 meters (1,286 ft) below sea level.
This will be a part of the main European route E39 highway along the west coast of Norway and will link the cities of Kristiansand – Stavanger – Haugesund – Bergen – Førde – Ålesund – Molde – Trondheim. It is currently slated for a 2033 opening.
Imagine Driving Beneath the Sea
Imagine driving beneath the sea for over 26 kilometers, with no ferries or long waits in sight. Norway is making this vision a reality with the Boknafjord Tunnel, a project that’s not just ambitious—it’s life-changing.
This groundbreaking underwater road will connect communities, cut travel times, and showcase what’s possible when innovation meets determination.
Goodbye, 21-Hour Journeys
For years, people travelling between Randaberg and Bokn have had to rely on ferries, adding hours to their journeys. The Boknafjord Tunnel is about to change everything:
- Shaves 11 hours off the coastal E39 highway
- Travel time between Kristiansand and Trondheim will be significantly reduced
- Trip duration through the tunnel: just 35 minutes
- Cost per vehicle: approximately $38
This benefits private motorists, freight operators, emergency services, and tourists, all while reducing ferry dependency.
Record-Breaking Engineering
The Boknafjord Tunnel will surpass the Lærdal Tunnel (24.5 km) to become the longest road tunnel in the world. It will also hold the record as the deepest subsea tunnel ever constructed.
The tunnel will feature:
- Four lanes of traffic
- Advanced ventilation systems
- Smart lighting
- Safety zones for evacuation
- A large roundabout inside the tunnel to manage traffic flows
Contracting and Construction
The E39 project contract was awarded to Skanska, one of Europe’s leading construction firms. The E04 Boknafjord Tunnel North contract, worth approximately NOK 5 billion, includes the northern section of the tunnel.
- Construction start: Q1 2023
- Estimated completion: Q3 2029
A Strategic Investment for Norway
The Rogfast project is not just about a tunnel — it’s about the future of Norway. The modernization of the E39 highway is estimated at $45.5 billion and includes the construction of fixed connections and ferry-free routes to reduce the current 21-hour journey and cut the distance by 50 kilometers.
This will:
- Improve road safety in difficult terrain
- Promote electric vehicle use
- Boost national and international tourism
- Strengthen economic links across the western coast
Floating Underwater Tunnels: Norway’s Next Big Leap
Beyond Boknafjord, Norway is pioneering the use of floating underwater tunnels, a groundbreaking concept:
- Two large concrete tubes, submerged 20–30 meters below the surface
- Suspended by pontoons and anchored to the sea floor
- Designed for bidirectional traffic
These floating tunnels solve infrastructure challenges posed by Norway’s rugged coastline and ensure minimal disruption to the natural environment.
Norway’s Vision for the Future
The Boknafjord Tunnel and its sister projects aim to transform Norway’s transport infrastructure. They are more than engineering marvels—they’re symbols of progress.
By connecting regions, improving logistics, and promoting sustainability, Norway is setting a global precedent in road construction and design.
The Boknafjord Tunnel is a key step toward a faster, smarter, and greener Norway — and an example for the rest of the world to follow.
Pic: https://www.facebook.com/askthestructuralengineer/posts/norways-european-route-e39-is-the-countrys-biggest-infrastructure-project-in-its/858494322956711/
