_there are tunnels and then there are tunnels

In Australia, transport tunnel projects are still newsworthy especially where they have a wider purpose.

In Norway things are a bit different with rail and road tunnels being commonplace but nevertheless, often engineering marvels – but in fjord / mountain country, you deal with the conditions.

For example, if you leave Bergen on the west coast by train toward Oslo, you spend the first ten or so minutes in a fast train going under the mountains – and such tunnels continue for the first few hours of the journey.

But even for Norway, the latest proposal is impressive.  The proposed Stadlandet Peninsula ‘Stad Ship Tunnel’ is a doozy: 1700 metres long; 36 metres wide; 49 metres high; requiring the removal of rock totalling 8 million tonnes; capable of accommodating ships to 16,000 tons capacity; saving time and avoiding an area of often rough seas; due to open about 2023.

Coincidently, the project involves (among others) the Norwegian architecture firm Snohetta, who happens to be working with NH architects in Melbourne on some local new public buildings.