Is it just us, or are transport projects getting more ambitious? First, there was the news that the bridge between Sicily and the Italian mainland might actually go ahead. Then there was the news that an underwater tunnel could connect Europe and Africa by 2030. And this week, the first part of another subaqueous tunnel was completed – this time between Denmark and Germany.
That’s right: you’ll soon be able to zip between Scandinavia and Central Europe via a brand-new underwater tunnel. The Fehmarnbelt link is currently under construction, but once built it will be the world’s longest immersed tunnel, stretching 18km across the Baltic Sea.
Currently, the only way to travel between the two countries is via a 45-minute ferry, but that journey time will be dramatically slashed once the Fehmarnbelt tunnel is complete. The tunnel will contain a two-lane motorway and a double-track railway so that both cars and trains can cross. Driving will take ten minutes while travelling via train will take only seven. How’s that for efficiency?
The tunnel will be completed in parts, and one bit is already complete. The 217-metre section was inaugurated by the Danish King on Monday and will soon be submerged into the Baltic Sea.
The first #tunnel element of the Fehmarnbelt link between #Denmark and #Germany has been completed - Congratulations to all those involved!
— CINEA🇪🇺 (@cinea_eu) June 17, 2024
The #EU #CEFTransport programme is supporting the project with over €1 billion.#EUGreenDeal pic.twitter.com/QqKfrpriva
The plans for the tunnel are part of the transport sector’s commitment to the EU Green Deal.
So where exactly will the tunnel begin and end? In Denmark, the entrance to the tunnel will be located in Roedby, on the southern island of Lolland, and it’ll link up with Puttgarden in northern Germany. This new link will drastically cut travel times for commuters and tourists – the rail route between Copenhagen and Hamburg, for example, is expected to be slashed by around two hours.
The tunnel is projected to cost around €4.8 billion. The Danish government, which is funding the project, will implement a toll charge to make up for the cost.
It’s happening sooner than you'd think, too – the entire project is expected to be complete by 2029. Time to start planning that Eurotrip!
Did you see that a brand-new sleeper train to the Alps is set to launch next year?
Plus: This European capital was just awarded its first ever Michelin stars.
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