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

On 15 April 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.

Known as the Fyllingsdalstunnelen, 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.

The tunnel will be open from 5.30 am to 11.30 pm daily. It features well-lit rest stops and security cameras throughout. Emergency phones are available every 250 meters.

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. It is also lined with artwork and installations to make the journey more interesting.

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 15 April will be marked with a tunnel race on Saturday followed by a bicycle parade on Sunday.

According to euronews