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It's not just the world's deepest underwater tunnel, but an engineering masterpiece: Here's what Norway is building

2026-11-13 22:36:21Lifestyle SHKRUAR NGA REDAKSIA VOX

It's not just the world's deepest underwater tunnel, but an

Norway is implementing one of the most ambitious infrastructure projects in Europe – the construction of the Rogfast underwater road tunnel, which, upon completion, should become the longest and deepest tunnel of its kind in the world.

The tunnel will be approximately 27 kilometers long and at its deepest point will pass up to 392 meters below sea level. Its construction represents an extraordinary construction and engineering challenge, but at the same time it could significantly change the traffic connections of the west coast of Norway.

Rogfast, whose name is an abbreviation of the Norwegian term “Rogaland fastforbindelse”, or the permanent road connection of the Rogaland region, is part of a wider plan to modernize the E39 coastal highway.

Travel without ferries

One of the most important advantages of the new tunnel will be the elimination of the need for several ferry lines that are currently an integral part of travel along the Norwegian west coast.

Rogfast is expected to shorten the journey between Bergen and Stavanger by approximately 40 minutes, with significantly more reliable and faster connections in this part of the country.

The tunnel will have two separate tubes, each containing two lanes of traffic. A particularly interesting detail of the project is the double underground roundabout, which will be located about 260 meters below sea level.

It will provide a connection to the island of Kvitsøy, one of Norway's smallest municipalities by area, which will also give this community a more direct road connection to the rest of the country.

It's not just the world's deepest underwater tunnel, but an

An engineering feat that requires millimeter precision

Construction of the tunnel is taking place simultaneously on both sides, and the goal is for teams working on the northern and southern sections to meet in the middle with a deviation of no more than five centimeters.

To achieve such precision, engineers use advanced laser scanners that collect up to two million spatial data points per second after each excavated section.

Based on these measurements, a digital model, or so-called “digital twin” of the tunnel, is created, which is then compared with the designed structure. In this way, it is possible to notice even the smallest deviations in a timely manner.

This approach is important not only for safety and construction quality, but also for cost control. Any larger deviation would mean additional rock removal, follow-up work, and significantly higher financial costs.

Seawater intrusion poses a major challenge

Working at such a depth brings with it numerous technical problems, one of the biggest being preventing the intrusion of salty seawater through the rock layers.

According to representatives of the Skanska company, which is participating in the construction of the northern part of the tunnel, workers have already encountered significant water intrusion at a depth of more than 300 meters below sea level.

Since the tunnel will reach 392 meters below the surface at its deepest point, finding suitable methods for rock insulation is one of the project's priorities.

Special attention has also been paid to the safety of future users. A longitudinal ventilation system has been planned, with powerful fans and additional ventilation ducts, to ensure proper air circulation and the removal of exhaust gases.

The tunnel will also be equipped with cameras and radar systems that will enable real-time traffic monitoring and rapid detection of road accidents, breakdowns and delays.

It's not just the world's deepest underwater tunnel, but an

A billion euro project

The total value of the project is estimated at approximately 25 billion Norwegian kroner, or about $2.4 billion.

Construction began in January 2018, but was temporarily suspended in late 2019 due to expected cost increases, after which the project was reorganized. Work resumed in late 2021, with a target completion date of 2033.

Rogfast is part of a much larger Norwegian plan to modernize the E39 coastal road, which is approximately 1,100 kilometers long. Currently, a trip along the entire route involves crossing seven ferry lines and can take about 21 hours.

Norwegian authorities want to significantly reduce travel times and make traffic along the west coast more efficient by building new tunnels, bridges and road connections.

When completed, Rogfast will not only be a new world record for underwater road construction, but also an important step in connecting Norway's coastal communities, developing the economy and improving transportation in one of the most geographically demanding parts of Europe.

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