Science

Norway Is About to Build an Underwater Suspension Bridge

Fjords may be gorgeous, but they're also a huge inconvenience.

by Justin Andress
vegvesen.no

Norway — that Scandinavian haven dotted with mountains and series of narrow sea inlets called fjords — has a major problem: It’s nearly impossible to cross some terrain. Bridges aren’t an option in a country famous for its Arctic freeze, and underwater tunnels are also out since the country’s got a system of deep ravines that can extend for as long as a mile.

So Norway’s figured out a solution that’s making suspension bridges look ultra last century: the country’s Public Roads Administration has hatched a $25 billion plan to construct the world’s first submerged floating bridge.

Until now, the typical Nordic method of crossing a fjord has been by ferry. Though slow, ferries are dependable in a way that more run-of-the-mill means of traversing water just aren’t.

If everything goes according to plan, the NPRA will install two curved, 4,000-foot long concrete tubes which will be suspended by pontoons and hang about 65 to 100 feet below the surface. For extra stability, the bridge-tunnel may also be bolted to the bedrock below. Engineers are currently eyeing one of Norway’s most famous fjords, Sognefjord, as their test case.

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The potential positive impact that this or any future suspension tunnel may have on the country is immeasurable. At the moment, experts are suggesting that a series of similar installations may help reduce travel time throughout the country by as much as a third. These suspension tunnels would also drastically increase citizens access to emergency services.

At the moment, Norway’s ambitious bridge-tunnel deal is set to be completed by 2035.

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