Lærdal Tunnel

The Lærdalstunnelen in Norway is 24.51 kilometers the longest road tunnel in the world.

The tunnel is located in the province of Sogn og Fjordane, and connects the villages in the municipality of Aurland Aurlandsvangen and Lærdalsøyri in the community Laerdal. Its construction was begun on 15 March 1995, on 3 September 1999 The breakthrough was achieved on 27 November 2000, the traffic handover at Laerdal portal. The construction costs amounted to NOK 930 million, corresponding to about 38,000 NOK per meter of tunnel. The annual average of Lærdalstunnelen is traveled of 1000 vehicles per day.

The tunnel allows - in contrast to the path through the mountains - even in winter a connection between the two communities. The alternative was formerly a ferry on the Sognefjord. For the passage no toll is charged. This corresponds to the Norwegian regional policies that promote remote areas especially. Here, the Lærdalstunnelen is also a centrally important part of an all-weather road connecting Oslo-Bergen as part of the E 16

Special features of this tunnel are the innovative way of lighting and intentionally slightly curvy route, intended to protect the rider from fatigue and enhance concentration, which also road safety is increased. There are also several stopping places in the tunnel.

Third hall before Laerdal

The old road through the mountains between Aurland and Laerdal ( called Snøvegen )