Danish government opts for an immersed tunnel between Denmark and Germany.
The construction of an immersed tunnel connecting Denmark and Germany has been given the green light. The Danish government has now officially approved the plans for the 'Fehmarn Belt' fixed link between Lolland and the German island of Fehmarn, having determined that an immersed tunnel is the best solution. The tunnel design has been produced by the Ramboll-Arup-TEC joint venture, in which Tunnel Engineering Consultants (TEC) – a consortium of DHV, Royal Haskoning and Witteveen+Bos – plays a major role.
An immersed tunnel is the preferred solution for the fixed link between Denmark and Germany, known as the 'Fehmarn Belt'. A tunnel offers several advantages compared to the alternative cable suspension bridge, both during construction and actual usage. There are benefits in terms of technical, environmental and safety aspects, including less adverse environmental impact, less hazard to surface shipping, and lower construction costs.
The construction of one of Europe's safest, most modern tunnels is expected to begin in 2014. The 19 kilometer connection will have a two-lane highway in each direction, complete with emergency lanes, a separate escape tube in between, and a two-track railway tube. The project will therefore be the world's longest combined road-and-rail tunnel. It will significantly cut the journey time between northern Europe and Scandinavia. The Fehmarn Belt is one of the largest infrastructure projects ever undertaken in Europe, and will provide a significant boost to the economic, cultural and social development of the region.
The construction costs are estimated to be 5.1 billion euro. Modifications to the existing infrastructure on the Danish and German side will cost some 1.5 billion euro, bring the total project budget to 6.6 billion euro. Preparations are expected to take three years and construction a further six years, whereupon the tunnel is scheduled to open by the end of 2020.