Lærdal Tunnel is the longest road tunnel in the world
Located in Sogn og Fjordane county, in Norway, the Lærdalstunnelen is the world's longest road tunnel. It is not recommended if you suffer from claustrophobia.
What is the longest tunnel in the world?
At 24.5 kilometers (15.2 miles) long, the Lærdal Tunnel is the longest road tunnel in the world. It carries two lanes of the paved European Route E16 and links Aurland and Lærdal. The tunnel bypassed the scenic 47km (29 miles) long Aurlandsfjellet, a National Tourist Route.
How long does it take to drive through the Laerdal tunnel?
The Laerdal tunnel is located in the southwestern part of the country. It takes about 20 minutes to drive through the tunnel at the speed limit of 80 km/h. Unlike many other tunnels and roads in Norway, the Laerdal tunnel is toll-free, so you can use it at no extra cost.
When was the Laerdal tunnel built?
Construction of the Laerdal tunnel began in the mid-1990s, and it opened to traffic in 2000. The tunnel does not have emergency exits, so it was divided into sections to create the illusion of several smaller tunnels. Drivers can take breaks in these sections. The tunnel was built to ease travel between Oslo and Bergen, especially during winter, by avoiding difficult mountain crossings and ferry connections. It’s one of the longest tunnels of the country.
Highlights of the Laerdal Tunnel
To improve the driving experience, a team of psychologists from SINTEF worked with the Norwegian Public Roads Administration (NPRA) on the tunnel's interior design. They used lighting to break up the monotony, with wider sections and rock chambers equipped with special lighting every 6 km to help prevent driver sleepiness. The tunnel's interior features fluorescent lights to make the journey more pleasant.
