The Eurasia Tunnel is currently under construction in the Bosphorus Strait in Istanbul, Turkey. This project will connect the European and Asian continents via an undersea road tunnel known as Avrasya.
The total length of this tunnel will be about 14.6 kilometers. A section of this length—5.4 km—will have two stories with two lanes on each level. The undersea tunnel will be open only to light vehicles, which may travel at a maximum speed of 80 kilometers per hour. Under no circumstances may trucks, motorcycles, bicycles, or pedestrians use it.
Construction of this highway tunnel is expected to be completed in 2017 or earlier, with a duration of approximately 55 months. This project brings countless benefits, such as the reduction in travel time, which implies a lower fuel consumption and the reduction in harmful gas emissions into the atmosphere.
It will also improve safety and comfort for users. This tunnel is the second one in the Bosphorus Strait; a few years ago, the 14-kilometer-long Marmaray rail tunnel was opened.
