Culture

World’s longest tunnel built only for cyclists and walkers opened in Norway

Top class highways and expressways being built world over often make headlines but it is rare for a dedicated road and tunnel meant exclusively for cyclists and pedestrians to be talked about. This 2.90-kilometre-long tunnel in Norway’s Bergen which is out of bounds for cars was inaugurated last week and has been christened as Fyllingsdalstunnelen.

As per a smithsonianmag.com report this tunnel is likely to be the longest in the world built specifically for cycling and walking was constructed at a cost of 29 million dollars and took four years to make. It will reduce the commuting time by several times and encourage people to cycle instead of using cars.

The tunnel links the city centre of Bergen with Fyllingsdalen, a residential area and has separate pathways for cyclists and walkers. On a bicycle it takes about 10 minutes to traverse the entire distance while those who prefer walking will take 40 minutes. To make walking comfortable and less strained, the pedestrian lane has blue rubber flooring instead of bare asphalt.

As there are no windows in the tunnel, a variety of colourful murals and art installations adorn it giving it an aesthetic look

The tunnel is bereft of windows as it runs through Løvstakken mountain base. To provide beauty and aesthetic touch, a large variety of colourful murals, lighting design and art installations have been put up throughout the route. There is a sundial at the tunnel’s midpoint which shows the cyclists and walkers the time.

With a view to ensure safety and security of the users of the tunnel, security cameras have been put up while there are emergency phones too to enable them to seek immediate help. To make commuting easy and comfortable, the tunnel is heated and it has rest stops at regular intervals.

The concept of the tunnel for walkers and cyclists came into being when a new light rail tram line was being planned for the area. Since the designers of the project had to construct a parallel tunnel for evacuations during emergency situations, they thought why not use this tunnel for double purpose.

The project funded by Miljøløftet which in English translates to “the environmental promise” is a government-run initiative directed at reducing the dependence of residents on vehicles and to make them switch to “environmentally friendly, efficient and safe transport system”.

Bergen is Norway’s second largest city and is surrounded with seven mountains and one of them is Løvstakken It is also home to a UNESCO heritage site – Bryggen, the historic wharf neighbourhood.

S.Ravi

S. Ravi writes on science, evolution and wildlife besides trends in culture, history, art, and stories of human interest.

Recent Posts

Last set of disengagement between India, China concluded on October 21, says EAM Jaishankar

India and China concluded the last lot of disengagement on October 21 and the implementation…

15 mins ago

Pakistan: Baloch activist expresses outrage over Mastung bomb blast

Baloch "pro-independence" leader Allah Nazar Baloch has expressed outrage over the recent bomb blast near…

23 mins ago

“Buddhism shows world how to counter sectarianism”: President Droupadi Murmu at Asian Buddhist Summit

President Droupadi Murmu graced the first Asian Buddhist Summit, organised by the Ministry of Culture,…

2 hours ago

Pakistan: Teachers agitate over non-payment of salaries for eight months

The Khyber Pakhtunkhwa government has failed to pay the salaries to teachers of non-formal girls'…

2 hours ago

“Whatever the verdict, our relationship with US will only grow”: EAM Jaishankr on US Presidential Elections

External Affairs Minister S Jaishankar held a joint presser with his Australian Counterpart Penny Wong,…

4 hours ago

‘Political space given to extremist forces’: EAM Jaishankar on attacks on Hindu temples in Canada

External Affairs Minister, S Jaishankar expressed concerns about the recent attacks on the Hindu temples…

6 hours ago