We all know the Rogfast tunnel is going to be incredibly long and deep—a true engineering marvel. We have covered the project over the years but there are a few things that we never got to mention. It turns out this ambitious project has had quite the journey.
The Bumpy Road to Construction
The project is due for completion in 2033, you might wonder why it’s taking so long. Well, the original plan was actually much more optimistic! Back in 2017 when the Norwegian Parliament first gave the green light, they were hoping to have the whole thing finished by 2025 or 2026.
The biggest curveball hit in 2019. Construction had just gotten underway, but they had to put the brakes on the entire project. Why? Money. The bids from the construction companies were coming in much higher than expected, throwing the budget completely out of whack. It took a couple of years of re-planning and government review before they could finally get back to digging in the autumn of 2021.
More Than Just One Big Hole
It’s easy to picture Rogfast as one continuous tube, but it’s actually a massive undertaking split between some big players. Companies like Skanska and Implenia are handling different sections of the tunnel, with the most complicated part—the middle section, which includes that cool underwater roundabout connecting to the island of Kvitsøy—being a joint effort.
And speaking of construction, they aren’t using one of those giant boring machines you see in movies. They are tackling this mountain of rock the old-fashioned way: drill and blast. Because they’re working under a massive fjord, they have to be incredibly careful. They use a technique where they drill deep holes ahead of time and inject grout (like specialized cement) to seal the rock before they blast, making sure the North Sea stays safely above them.
The Price of Progress
The cost of the project is staggering, which is definitely true. But it’s worth remembering that when the project was first approved, the price tag was much lower. The cost has skyrocketed since then. To pay for it all, the government is only chipping in about 40%. The rest, a solid 60%, will come directly from the tolls—that roughly $40 fee you’ll pay each time you drive through.
A Tunnel of Record-Breakers
Finally, while its length and depth are impressive, the Rogfast is actually gunning for a couple of other world titles. Once finished, it won’t just be the longest deep-sea road tunnel; it will also be the longest four-lane road tunnel anywhere in the world. Plus, that junction leading to Kvitsøy, sitting about 200 meters below sea level, will be the world’s deepest road junction.
It’s truly a huge, complex project that has overcome some serious obstacles to keep digging toward that 2033 completion date.
Now onto what we’ve written over time on this impressive project
Updated October 14, 2025- The Rogfast tunnel which is officially known as the Rogaland Fixed Link is a massive sub-sea road tunnel project in Norway that will form a key part of the European Route E39 coastal highway. Upon completion, the dual-tube tunnel will be the longest and deepest underwater road tunnel in the world. It stretch approximately 27 kilometers and reaching a maximum depth of 392 meters below sea level. This ambitious engineering feat, which includes a spur connection to the island municipality of Kvitsøy with an underwater roundabout, will eliminate a significant and time-consuming ferry crossing between the municipalities of Randaberg and Bokn. Furthermore, the Rogfast Tunnel tunnel is expected to be complete by 2033.
In another ambitious endeavour, Norway revealed plans for the construction of the world’s first ship tunnel. However, the world’s first ship tunnel project has faced a major setback as the government has withdrawn funding for the project. Moreover, other undersea projects such as the Spain-Morocco underwater tunnel are much anticipated.
Reported on December 24, 2024
The Rogfast, what will be world’s longest and deepest road tunnel, is currently under construction with a staggering US$46 billion price tag. Located in Norway, the tunnel will span 15 miles and will be placed 1,300 feet underwater. It will connect two key municipalities: Randaberg and Bokn in Rogaland County. Rogafast will ease the commute between the north-most and south-most regions of the country significantly. At the moment, the only way to travel between the separated municipalities is via ferry. Project officials promise that the tunnel will dramatically reduce travel times across Norway on the E39 coastal highway and cut journey times in half.
Also Read The Transatlantic Tunnel Project: The UK-North America Tunnel Set to Revolutionize Global Travel
Current Statistics
If you were to travel between Kristiansand and Trondheim along the E39, a 680-mile stretch, today, it would take you 21 hours total. The new tunnel not only takes off 30 miles from this distance, but also saves you 11 hours because you would not need to cross with any ferries. It has been estimated that 6,000 vehicles would use the tunnel daily, making traveling to major cities such as Stavanger and Bergen significantly more manageable. Bergen is home to the country’s fishing industry meanwhile Stavanger is a major North Sea oil center. Going through The Rogfast will only take around 35 minutes despite it setting the record as the longest and deepest undersea passage.
Also Read Mace Advances on Heathrow Airport’s 870m Cargo Tunnel: A Multimillion Endeavor
Project Factsheet
Location: Between Randaberg and Bokn in Rogaland County, Norway
Scope of project: 15 miles, 1,300 feet underwater
Total Cost: US$46 billion
Completion date: 2033
Completion date
Construction is likely to be completed in 2033. According to official documents, 40% of the funding will come from government sources. The rest will be funded through tolling services, approximately $40 per trip. “The port at Mortavika is quite exposed. In the winter, ferries sometimes have to divert to another port. When the tunnel is completed, we will not have to rely on good weather to keep the roads open. About half a year after the last drill and blast, we have to deliver the project. We have to get a lot of work done simultaneously. It’s more about logistics than tunnelling,” said Oddvar Kaarmo, the Rogfast project manager.
Also in Norway, The Lærdal tunnel
Norway currently holds the record for the longest underwater tunnel in the world, the Lærdal tunnel. The tunnel spans 15 miles and connects Lærdal and Aurland in Vestland county. It provides a crucial ferry-free route between Oslo and Bergen. Opened in 2000, the project took nearly $120 million to complete.
The tunnel has a unique twist to it, as designers took into account the mental strain of traveling that long through a tunnel. As such, the tunnel has features such as caves which have blue lighting with yellow lights at the fringes to give an impression of sunrise. These caves are meant to break the monotony, providing a refreshing view and allowing drivers some relief. Additionally, they have break areas which help to alleviate claustrophobia during the 20-minute drive through the tunnel. There are signs throughout the tunnel indicating how many kilometers have already been covered and how many still to go.
