Spanning 15.2 miles long, the Lærdal Tunnel is the longest of its kind in the world. Located in Norway, the impressive structure stretches from Lærdal to Aurland and links Oslo to Bergen. The road tunnel opened in November 2000 after 5 years of construction at a cost of $113 million. The special design makes driving through the tunnel a unique experience. Every 3 miles, the road widens into a cave area adorned with colorful lighting, a contrast from the white lights that run down the tunnel. Drivers can park in the chambers and take a break while enjoying the yellow and blue hues. It takes 20 minutes to drive the full length of the tunnel if the driver is keeping to the 50mph speed limit. The road burrows underneath a mountain range, only adding to the impressive experience. The Lærdal Tunnel is seen as one of the safest in the world, with 15 cameras stationed along the road to keep tabs on any accidents. If something does happen, an automated system is activated that closes the tunnel to help manage the situation. The tunnel even has emergency equipment, including fire extinguishes and phones on hand at dedicated safety spots every 1,600 feet. In addition, the tunnel is equipped with a state-of-the-art ventilation system that purifies the air. To alert drivers who become inattentive or start to fall asleep, each lane is supplied with a loud rumble strip towards the center.
