Thought a trip through the Dartford Crossing or Blackwall Tunnel was long? Think again. Europe holds the record for the longest road tunnel in the world, with motorists trapped in darkness for over a quarter of an hour.
The Lærdal Tunnel in Norway is the current holder of the record with the route stretching for 24.5kilometres or around 15 miles. The tunnel goes right underneath the mountain range sitting between the municipalities of Lærdal and Aurland in western Norway. Completing the journey should take road users between 18 to 20 minutes if travelling at the speed limit of 80km/h.
Built between 1995 and 2000, the project cost 1,050 million NOK (about £98 million), to construct. It means that each metre of the tunnel cost 38,000 NOK (£3,500) to put together over its five-year building span.
VisitNorway claims the site is now a “popular round trip” among tourists with thousands visiting the tunnel every week.
VisitNorway said: “At 24.5 kilometres, the Lærdal tunnel is the world's longest road tunnel. The road links Aurland and Lærdal, in the heart of Sogn, and provides a ferry-free connection between Oslo and Bergen.
“A round trip full of contrasts is to drive through the Lærdal Tunnel, then stop by the fjord in Flåm, and return over the stunning Aurlandsfjellet plateau on the popular Snow Road between Aurlandsvangen and Lærdalsøyri. This is an opportunity to experience the mountain from both outside and in!”
The tunnel is equipped with a high-tech ventilation system and a range of safety breakdown stations in case cars suffer issues. These are equipped with emergency equipment and call boxes to ensure road users are covered should any issues arise.
To break up the journey, three cave areas are fitted inside the tunnel at 6km intervals. These areas are fitted with special blue and yellow lighting with the route widened to allow motorists to stop and take a break.
The road is not charged with a toll meaning anyone can drive and explore, with around 1,000 vehicles using the route every day. Japan is second on the list with the Yamate Tunnel in Tokyo measuring 18.2 kilometres in length.