OSLO — Norway’s Bergen is gearing up to open the world’s longest purpose-built pedestrian and bicycle tunnel.

On April 15, 2023, the 2.9km tunnel will open to the public with running and cycling events. It takes around 10 minutes to cycle through and 30 to 45 minutes to walk through.

The tunnel cuts through the Løvstakken mountain in the southwest Norwegian city, linking the residential areas of Fyllingsdalen and Mindemyren.

Cyclists can continue on to the center of Bergen using existing routes.

Both the Fyllingsdal tunnel and the rest of the cycle route to Bergen city center are financed through the municipality’s state-supported Miljøløftet (Environmental Promise).

Its goal is to make it easier for more people to choose cycling and walking over driving.

Not only could this help reduce traffic in the city, it could also help cut planet-heating emissions and unhealthy pollution.

The route’s total distance — from Fyllingsdalen to Festplassen in the city center — is 7.8 kilometers, which takes around 25 minutes by bike. Currently, cycling between these areas takes around 40 minutes.

Bergen’s cycle tunnel has been touted as the world’s longest — but it comes with some caveats.

The Snoqualmie Tunnel near Seattle, USA, is 3.6km long. However, it takes over an abandoned railway tunnel, so was not built for purpose.

The Fyllingsdal cycle tunnel is therefore the world’s second longest overall, and the longest that was built for purpose.

Running parallel to the new light rail line that opened in November, the tunnel doubles as an escape route for train passengers.

Supported by government investment, dedicated pedestrian and cycle lanes — 2.5 and 3.5 meters wide respectively — were included in its design.

The tunnel will be open from 5.30 a.m. to 11.30 p.m. daily. It features well-lit rest stops and security cameras throughout.

Colorful dynamic lighting will create a wave of light when a cyclist or pedestrian enters the tunnel at either end, alerting cyclists to oncoming traffic. Emergency phones are available every 250 meters.

It will be kept at a constant temperature of 7 degrees Celsius, making it an attractive training route for runners on colder days.

The opening ceremony on April 15 will be marked with a tunnel race on Saturday followed by a bicycle parade on Sunday. — Euronews