Science News Archive

Work on Longest Tunnel in the World Due to Begin

Engineers are due to start building the world's longest and deepest underground tunnel beneath the Alps. Work will begin this year on the Gotthard Base Tunnel, which will stretch for a staggering 57 kilometres below ground at depths of up to 2 kilometres. At this depth, workers on the tunnel will have to cope with temperatures of over 50 degrees celsius. The tunnel will provide a rail link to the Swiss towns of Erstfeld and Bodio.

15th Jun 2002