An underwater tunnel allowing travelers to save 800 km along the route between Tallin and Helsinki, bypassing Russia. And, midway, two artificial islands. Here’s fact and records of the incredible project whose EU recently approved feasibility studies and financing.
Talsinki: the world’s most amazing underwater tunnel
# 50 km long, operating from 2030, it will connect Tallin and Helsinki
You have probably heard about the underwater 18 km long tunnel connecting Germany to Denmark; but probably did not about that, upcoming, ready to demolish any previous record in the category.
The brand new project of an undersea rail tunnel will shorten the road between Estonian capital Tallin and Finnish one Helsinki. The name, Talsinki, is a crasis between the name of the two. If realized, this engineering marvel would become the longest tunnel worldwide; being well ahead, thus, of said structure between Germany and Denmark, that in the English Channel and Japan’s Seikan.
Above all, the economic impact promises to be gigantic. Helsinki’s and Tallin’s harbors are, in fact, respectively the first and third most trafficked in Europe. Commuters for study and work reasons increase every year, so pushing governments to co-operate. The goal is easing transportation between the two countries, also avoiding the passage on Russian soil.
The part of this architectural giant laying on the seabed is around 50 km. It will be constituted by two separate 10 meters diameter tunnels at the distance of 80 meters one from the other. The whole construction would be 92 km long, starting in Tallin’s central station and ending in Helsinki’s airport. Planners expect costs in a range from 9 to 13 billion Euros, with work probably be finished by 2030. European Union already approved the first financing tranche, 3.1 million Euros, necessary to realize feasibility studies.
# The path: four stops and the realization of two artificial islands
The project involves the realization of two additional stops in the Swedish territory: Pasila and City Center. Their realization should take 10 to 15 years, including even two artificial islands. Estonian Tallinnamadal and Finnish Uppoluoto will measure 400 and 300 squared meters respectively, assembled from the exceeding soil.
# Estimated 12.5 million users per year will take advantage from the trans-european corridor in the North Sea
The connection between Helsinki and Tallin is part of TEN-T, the trans-european corridor in the North Sea. The rail will be in fact more compatible with the European standards, rather than the Finnish or Estonian. Yet, it could allow Finland to have a direct route to European Union without need to pass through Russia.
This would represent and enormous advantage for the two countries involved, as for their citizens. As, today, reaching the opposite coast means either sail through seas – 2 hours for 80 km – or an 800 kilometer car trip.
Thus, the project could significantly improve the life of 12.5 million people, also lowering the amount of flights and ferries needed today.
MATTIA LANDRO
