Revolutionary Proposal: Norway Ventures into World’s First Underwater Floating Tunnel

• 18 June 2023
• Construction Focus
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In an ambitious move that could reshape transportation infrastructure, the Norwegian Public Roads Administration (NPRA) has unveiled plans for the world’s inaugural underwater floating tunnel, with an estimated budget exceeding US$40 billion.

The proposed tunnel aims to drastically reduce travel time between the southern city of Kristiansand and Trondheim in the North, effectively cutting the current 21-hour journey in half. Overcoming the challenges posed by the region’s intricate fjord network, this innovative concept opens up new possibilities for efficient and seamless connectivity.

Traditionally, traversing the vast expanse between Kristiansand and Trondheim requires navigating 1,190 fjords through a series of seven ferry crossings. However, geological obstacles, such as fjords deeper than 1 kilometer or wider than 5 kilometers, render conventional rock tunnels or suspension bridges unfeasible.

While floating bridges have shown promise, their vulnerability to adverse weather conditions, including strong waves and currents, poses limitations. This is where the groundbreaking concept of submerged floating tunnels comes in.

Designed to rest approximately 30 meters below the water’s surface, the tunnels will be anchored to the seabed on either side, penetrating the bedrock beneath the fjord. Stabilized by strategically positioned pontoons affixed to the sea’s surface, the submerged tubes will incorporate ample spacing to accommodate the passage of ferries, ensuring unobstructed navigation.

The NPRA envisions completing the intricate construction process by 2050, aiming to revolutionize the nation’s transportation landscape and propel Norway to the forefront of pioneering infrastructure solutions.

This audacious undertaking represents a remarkable step towards seamlessly connecting distant regions, opening up new avenues of growth, and redefining the possibilities of modern engineering.

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• Road and Infrastructure