The Brenner Base Tunnel, which is currently under construction, will be the longest tunnel in the world when it opens in 2032 – and it will connect Austria and Italy.
The Brenner Base Tunnel is presently being built and will link Austria and Italy together. This remarkable tunnel, destined to become the world’s longest, is due to launch in 2032.
The rail tunnel will join Innsbruck in Austria with Franzensfeste/Fortezza in Italy, bridging two nations across different time zones. Building costs are projected at 8.54billion euros (£7.4billion).
The spectacular BBT will form a cutting-edge railway tunnel spanning 55km (34 miles) in total.
BBT explained: “In May 1994, a railway bypass was opened south of Innsbruck, known as the Inn valley tunnel. This 12.7 km tunnel links to the Brenner Base Tunnel.
“Passenger and freight trains along this stretch will therefore not only travel through the Brenner Base Tunnel, but for a few kilometres, through the Inn valley tunnel as well. This line, totalling 64 kilometres, will become the longest underground railway connection in the world.”
An unusual aspect of the Brenner Base Tunnel is the “exploratory tunnel running from one end to the other.”
“This tunnel lies between the two main tunnels and about 12m below them and with a diameter of 5m is noticeably smaller than the main tubes.
“The excavations currently underway on the exploratory tunnel should provide information on the rock mass and thereby reduce construction costs and times to a minimum.
“The exploratory tunnel will be essential for drainage when the BBT becomes operational.”
Other unique railway constructions include the world’s longest train journey, which links three countries and crosses eight time zones.