The Fehmarn Belt Fixed Link is an immersed tunnel that will connect the island of Lolland, in Denmark, with the island of Fehmarn, in Germany. The incredible tunnel beneath the Baltic Sea, which is expected to be one of the longest underwater constructions, will be completed by 2029.
The Fehmarnbelt tunnel, stretching 18 kilometres (11 miles), will significantly cut travel time between Scandinavia and mainland Europe. Femern said the tunnel is “Denmark’s largest infrastructure project and the world’s longest immersed tunnel and rail link”. The project’s cost is estimated to be DKK 55.1billion (£6.4billion), with the European Union granting the tunnel project around 1.3billion euros (£1.1billion).
Femern explained that an immersed tunnel is a « safe, tested and efficient way of building an underwater tunnel ».
« The technology is Danish-developed and builds on experiences from, among others, the Øresund Tunnel.
« Once completed, the tunnel will not pose any obstacle to vessel traffic in the Fehmarnbelt. Marine safety is also a top priority during the construction phase.
« The Fehmarnbelt tunnel will be just as safe as a corresponding section of motorway above ground. The tunnel is equipped with continuous hard shoulders and emergency exits along its entire length. »
The Institution of Civil Engineers explained that the Fehmarnbelt Tunnel will sit on top of the seafloor, making it « a remarkable engineering feat ».
« Weighing in at 73,500 tonnes apiece, these colossal structures are a testament to modern engineering. Once a tunnel element is ready to be shipped, waterproof bulkheads (barriers) are installed at both ends, and the segment is carefully towed into position by tugboats.
« In total, 89 elements will be connected sequentially – much like assembling giant Lego pieces – to form the complete tunnel. »
Other impressive tunnels currently under construction include the Brenner Base Tunnel, connecting Austria and Italy, which is set to become the world’s longest tunnel.
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