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Beneath the vast expanses of oceans and seas, engineering marvels lie hidden from plain sight – underwater tunnels. These architectural feats not only facilitate transportation but also symbolize the ingenuity of human endeavors. As we delve into the depths of engineering excellence, we uncover the top five longest underwater tunnels that traverse the ocean floors, connecting distant shores and revolutionizing intercontinental travel. From the depths of the English Channel to the depths of the Pacific Ocean, each tunnel on this list stands as a testament to human perseverance, innovation, and the relentless pursuit of overcoming natural barriers. Join us on this journey as we explore the extraordinary achievements that have shaped our modern world.
1. Chesapeake Bay Tunnel (United States) – 1.6 miles
Chesapeake Bay Tunnel is a two-lane highway tunnel that connects the cities of Norfolk and Hampton Roads, Virginia.
| Location | Chesapeake Bay, Virginia, USA |
| Carries | 4 lanes (2 in tunnels) |
| Length | 17.6 miles (28.3 km) |
| Opened | April 15, 1964 |
| Toll | Cars $14 |
It is 23.2 miles long and is the longest underwater tunnel in the United States. It opened to traffic in 2004 and has reduced travel time between the two cities from 30 minutes to 10 minutes.
The tunnel has also helped to boost the local economy and has contributed to increasing tourism in the area. It is an impressive feat of engineering and has been awarded several prizes, including the American Society of Civil Engineers’ Civil Engineering Award.
The Chesapeake Bay Tunnel is an important part of Virginia’s transportation infrastructure. It is a fast and efficient route for travel between Norfolk and Hampton Roads, and it has helped to improve the quality of life for people living in the area.
2. Öresund Bridge and Tunnel (Sweden and Denmark) – 8 km.
The Öresund Bridge and Tunnel is a combined road and rail bridge and tunnel that connects the cities of Malmö, Sweden, and Copenhagen, Denmark. The bridge and tunnel opened to traffic in 2000 and has reduced travel time between the two cities from 45 minutes to 35 minutes.
| Location | Copenhagen (Denmark) and Malmö (Sweden) |
| Carries | Four lanes |
| How long is Oresund Bridge | 25,738 ft (7,845 mt) |
| Construction start & end | 1995 - 1999 |
| Construction cost | 2.8 billion $ |
| Daily traffic | 18,434 road vehicles |
| Toll | From 1 January 2024: 68 $ |
The Öresund Bridge and Tunnel is formed by two parts: a 7.8 km road tunnel and an 8.1 km rail tunnel. The tunnels are connected by an artificial island called Peberholm. The tunnel is equipped with a ventilation system, a fire detection system, and a security system.
The Öresund Bridge and Tunnel is an impressive feat of engineering and has been awarded several prizes, including the International Tunnelling Award from the International Tunnelling and Underground Space Association.
3. Eurotunnel (France and England) – 31.4 km.
Eurotunnel is the longest underwater tunnel in the world that can be used by road and rail. It connects France and England through the English Channel. The tunnel was built in 6 years, opened in 1994 and has since transported over 2 billion passengers and 300 million vehicles.
Eurotunnel consists of three tunnels: two railway tunnels for trains and a road tunnel for cars and trucks. The railway tunnels have a diameter of 7.6 meters and the road tunnel has a diameter of 7.3 meters. The tunnels are located at a depth of up to 37 meters below sea level.
Eurotunnel is an important transport link between France and England. It provides a fast and efficient way to travel between the two countries. The tunnel has also helped to boost the economies of both countries.
4. Eiksund Tunnel (Norway) – 7 km.
The Eiksund Tunnel is the deepest underwater tunnel in the world. It is located in Norway and is 287 meters deep below sea level. It connects the islands of Hareidlandet and Eika in Møre og Romsdal. With a length of 7,765 meters, it is the longest underwater tunnel in Norway. The tunnel opened to traffic in 2008 and has reduced travel time between the two islands from 45 minutes to 10 minutes.
The tunnel was built to reduce the isolation of the islands of Hareidlandet and Eika, and to improve the safety of maritime traffic in the Eiksund Strait. The tunnel has had a positive impact on the economy of the islands, and has contributed to increasing tourism in the area.
The Eiksund Tunnel is an impressive feat of engineering and has been awarded several prizes, including the International Tunnelling Award from the International Tunnelling and Underground Space Association.
5. Rogfast Tunnel (Norway) – 27 km (under construction)
The Rogfast Tunnel is a two-lane undersea tunnel under construction in Norway. It will be the longest and deepest underwater tunnel in the world, with a length of 27 kilometers and a depth of 392 meters below sea level. The tunnel will connect the cities of Stavanger and Haugesund in the Rogaland region.
Construction on the Rogfast Tunnel began in 2018 and is scheduled to be completed in 2033. The total cost of the project is estimated at $2.2 billion. It will be an important transportation route for Norway. It will reduce travel time between Stavanger and Haugesund from 45 minutes to 10 minutes. The tunnel will also help to boost the economy of the region, creating new jobs and improving access to tourism.
Spanish version: Túneles submarinos
