Did you know about the world's longest and deepest subsea road tunnel?
The Ryfylke Tunnel is the world's longest subsea road tunnel, called Ryfast, which is the connection between Nord-Jæren and Ryfylke.
Opened on December 30th, 2019, the Ryfylke Tunnel is the world's longest subsea road tunnel, providing a permanent road connection between Strand in Ryfylke and Stavanger on Nord-Jæren. Ryfast is the connection between Nord-Jæren and Ryfylke.
After 40-years of inspiration, brainstorming and engineering, the 14.4 kilometres of subsea engineering marvel, has 8 kilometres of dual carriageway. The amazing twin-bore tunnel, has 2 lanes, surface zones with local roads, portal structures, adjecent bridges and buildings for technical systems at surface level and in the tunnel.
Stretching beneath the sea, it offers a unique journey through the depths, connecting lands that were once only reachable by ferry. Delving up to 292 meters (nearly 958 feet) below sea level at its deepest point, the Ryfast Tunnel is not just long but also the world's deepest subsea tunnel.
This remarkable depth showcases the engineering prowess behind its construction, with the steepest climb of 7%, which applies for 4 km of the distance up to Solbakk, offers a safe and reliable passage beneath the fjord.
The tunnel was built from both ends, with one contractor at each end. Each charge will blast the tunnel bore around 5 metres, and each week the tunnel will grow between 30 and 40 metres longer. The tunnel bores will meet 292 metres under the sea. The main contractor at Solbakk was Marti IAV Solbakk DA, and the main contractor at Hundvåg was AF Gruppa Norge AS.
The Ryfast Tunnel system serves as a vital link beneath the waters of the Ryfylke fjord, connecting the city of Stavanger with the municipality of Strand in Rogaland county. This route not only shortens travel time but also enhances the connectivity between these regions, making it easier for travelers and locals.
The construction of the Ryfast Tunnel was a monumental task that began in the spring of 2013 and concluded with its opening in December 2019.
The cost of the project was a little over 4.6 Billion Norwegian Krone (approximately 7.2 Billion Maldivian Rufiyaa).
Its not a scientific theory or a dream like traveling to Mars, but a reality. This impressive structure not only stands as a testament to modern engineering but also offers a new way to explore the stunning landscapes of Norway.
A subsea tunnel between Male City and Rasmale (President Muizzu's dream and promised new city-extension project) would approximately have a length of 11.4 kilometres.
