Norway to Create World’s First Floating Underwater Tunnel
Local Editor
The Norwegian coast may be beautiful but with more than a thousand fjords cutting into it, getting from one place to another often requires lengthy journeys.
Norway's Public Roads Administration [NPRA] has an ambitious plan to solve the problem by building the world's first floating submerged tunnel system about 30 meters underwater.
The $25 billion project will allow vehicles to travel under the Norwegian Sea avoiding a 21-hour drive along the coastline.
The route from the southern city of Kristiansand to Trondheim in the north currently includes seven ferry crossings.
As most of the waterways are wide with the largest a mile deep, it is not feasible to construct a traditional bridge. The tunnel would shorten the trip to just over 10 hours.
The first-of-its kind structure will be made up of two 1,200 meter curved concrete tubes, floating up to 30 meters below the surface.
The tubes will be supported by pontoons on the surface and kept stable with connecting trusses. For extra stability, the construction might be bolted to the bedrock as well.
The project is planned to be completed by 2035, and will preserve the landscape for those who still want to take the scenic route.
Source: News Agencies, Edited by website team
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