Construction began in January 2018 but was halted in 2019 due to spiralling costs. Work was however resumed in 2021 after new plans were devised, with the scheme set for completion by 2033.
It has also been mired by difficulties with the depth, almost 400 metres below the North Sea, posing massive technical challenges to builders. It has already had problems with saltwater leaks with pressure at the deepest point reaching almost 40 bars.
The record-breaking tunnel is part of a redevelopment plan for a massive stretch of the E39, a coastal route between Trondheim and Kristiansand. Travelling between the two currently takes 21 hours and involves several ferry crossings.
But once completed, the new route will take around 11 hours and will be completely free of ferries.The entire project is reportedly set to be finished by 2050, reports local news station 7Sur7.
It is thought the project will cost around £472million and will be used by around 4,000 cars each day. Inside the tunnel there will be an art installation to “prevent monotony” and “alleviate tunnel anxiety”.
Developers believe this will “shorten the perceived travel time, create a sense of orientation, and foster recognition”. They said: “Additionally, the decoration will help “open up” the tunnel space, and the use of dynamic lighting may lead to solutions that are adaptable and ever-changing.”
Architects Norconsult says: “The goal is for the project to be as sustainable as possible by identifying possible measures to save energy, reduce material consumption, harvest energy (wind, solar, waves, and geothermal), and implement further actions to improve ecology and agriculture in the project area.”
As well as becoming the world’s longest underwater tunnel, Rogfast will be the world’s longest four-lane road tunnel, the world’s deepest four-lane road tunnel, and the deepest underwater junction.
YouTuber Vanita Ventures visited the site last month. At the site, Vanita had a chance to meet the construction workers operating deep beneath sea level and even dig a hole in part of the tunnel.
After her visit, she said: “Spending time with the young workers behind Rogfast has been something special. When you see the effort and pure dedication that goes into a project of this scale, you start appreciating tunnels in a completely different way.
“Every metre blasted, every bolt, every element, there are real people behind it. People who show up day and night in tough conditions to build something the rest of us will simply drive through in a few minutes.”
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