Tunnels are marvels of modern engineering, enabling us to traverse through mountains, under seas, and across vast terrains. The longest tunnels in the world are not just feats of construction but also vital components of global infrastructure. Here’s a look at the top 10 longest tunnels, which demonstrate human ingenuity and technological advancement.
Top 10 Longest Tunnels in the World
1. Delaware Aqueduct (United States)
- Length: 137 km (85.1 miles)
- Completed: 1945
- Purpose: Water supply
The Delaware Aqueduct is the longest continuous tunnel in the world, supplying approximately half of New York City’s drinking water from the Delaware River.
2. Seikan Tunnel (Japan)
- Length: 53.85 km (33.4 miles)
- Completed: 1988
- Purpose: Railway
Connecting the islands of Honshu and Hokkaido, the Seikan Tunnel is the longest and deepest operational rail tunnel, running under the Tsugaru Strait.
3. Channel Tunnel (United Kingdom/France)
- Length: 50.45 km (31.3 miles)
- Completed: 1994
- Purpose: Railway
Also known as the “Chunnel,” this tunnel links Folkestone in the UK with Coquelles in France, and it is the longest undersea tunnel in the world.
4. Yulhyeon Tunnel (South Korea)
- Length: 50.3 km (31.3 miles)
- Completed: 2016
- Purpose: Railway
Part of the Suseo High-Speed Railway, the Yulhyeon Tunnel enhances connectivity between the capital, Seoul, and the southern regions.
5. Gotthard Base Tunnel (Switzerland)
- Length: 57.1 km (35.5 miles)
- Completed: 2016
- Purpose: Railway
This is the longest railway and deepest traffic tunnel in the world, cutting through the Swiss Alps and significantly reducing travel time between northern and southern Europe.
6. Dahuofang Water Tunnel (China)
- Length: 85.3 km (53 miles)
- Completed: 2009
- Purpose: Water supply
This tunnel supplies water to the Dalian region in China, ensuring a steady flow of water to this heavily industrialized area.
7. Päijänne Water Tunnel (Finland)
- Length: 120 km (74.6 miles)
- Completed: 1982
- Purpose: Water supply
The tunnel supplies water from Lake Päijänne to the Greater Helsinki area, ensuring a high-quality water supply for the capital region.
8. Laerdal Tunnel (Norway)
- Length: 24.5 km (15.2 miles)
- Completed: 2000
- Purpose: Roadway
This is the longest road tunnel in the world, connecting Laerdal and Aurland in western Norway and providing a safe, weather-independent route through the mountains.
9. Songhua River Water Supply Pipeline (China)
- Length: 135 km (83.9 miles)
- Completed: 2009
- Purpose: Water supply
This pipeline ensures a stable water supply from the Songhua River to the city of Harbin, supporting the region’s extensive industrial needs.
10. Zhongnanshan Tunnel (China)
- Length: 18.04 km (11.2 miles)
- Completed: 2007
- Purpose: Roadway
Part of the Xi’an-Ankang Expressway, this tunnel passes through the Qinling mountains, facilitating faster travel and trade between northern and southern China. China also has one of the longest bridges in the World.
Conclusion
These tunnels are not just infrastructural achievements; they represent the pinnacle of human ingenuity and determination. From supplying vital water resources to enhancing transportation and connectivity, the longest tunnels in the world play a crucial role in the global network, making travel and resource distribution more efficient and reliable.
