The Rogfast Tunnel, set to become the world's longest and deepest undersea road tunnel, has received a major financial boost. The Nordic Investment Bank (NIB) has approved a NOK 4 billion loan (approximately £307 million) to support the ambitious project in Norway. The tunnel, stretching 27 kilometres (about 17 miles) and reaching 400 metres below sea level, will connect the villages of Randaberg and Bokn, significantly reducing travel times along the Norwegian west coast.
Project Background and Resumption
Construction on the Rogfast Tunnel began in January 2018 but was halted the following year due to escalating costs. After revised plans were approved, work resumed in 2021. The tunnel is now expected to open in 2033. The loan, facilitated by Norwegian toll company Ferde AS, will help finance the remaining construction phases.
Carlos Rodriguez, senior banker at NIB, stated: "Reliable infrastructure is essential for regional development and efficient transport links. Rogfast will improve connectivity in western Norway and support the long-term integration of labour and transport markets."
Part of a Larger Vision
The tunnel is a key component of the wider redevelopment of the E39 coastal route between Trondheim and Kristiansand. Currently, the journey takes 21 hours and involves multiple ferry crossings. The long-term plan is to replace all seven ferry crossings with tunnels and bridges, reducing travel time to just 11 hours. Authorities aim to complete the entire project by 2050.
Once operational, the Rogfast Tunnel will cut 40 minutes off the journey between Stavanger and Bergen while improving transport reliability. The total cost is estimated at NOK 25 billion (around £1.8 billion), and approximately 4,000 vehicles are expected to pass through daily.
Engineering Challenges and Features
The tunnel, also known as the Boknafjord Tunnel, will include a double roundabout deep under the sea, linking to the island of Kvitsøy. At its deepest point, it will be 392 metres below sea level—deeper than the height of the Empire State Building. Construction firm Skanska is handling the northern section. Project manager Anne Brit Moen told Engineers Ireland: "Since we are going all the way down to 392m below sea level, we're focusing on finding the best methods to maintain safe and efficient working conditions for everyone. The tunnel will significantly improve connectivity along the Norwegian west coast."
Oddvar Kaarmo, project manager at the Norwegian Public Roads Administration, added: "About half a year after the last drill and blast, we have to deliver the project, so we have to get a lot of work done simultaneously. It's more about logistics than tunnelling." To prevent monotony and alleviate "tunnel anxiety," an art installation will be featured inside the tunnel, which construction bosses hope will reduce accidents.
