The incredible £93bn tunnel that's the second longest in the world

An incredible tunnel that cost £93billion is the second-longest in the world.

Yamate Tunnel, in Tokyo, is over 11 miles long and is almost 100ft below the surface. It carries the Central Circular Route of the Shuto Expressway.

It took more than 20 years to build, starting in 1992 and being fully completed in 2015. Individual sections were designed, built and opened in different years.

The road consists of two carriageways going in opposite directions with a speed limit of 37mph. Nearly all of the tunnel lies beneath one street.

On completion, it surpassed the Kan’etsu Tunnel to become the longest road tunnel in Japan and the second-longest road tunnel in the world. It is also the world’s longest in-city road tunnel.

The only tunnel longer is the Lærdalstunnelen in Norway, which is almost 14 miles long and cost £75million to build from 1995 to 2000.

Yamate has been referred to as “a testament to Japan’s commitment to infrastructure development” that “plays a pivotal role in the city’s growth and progress”.

Plans for the route began in 1970 with ideas for an elevated expressway. It was shelved due to environmental concerns and residents’ protests. 

It re-emerged in 1990 in the form of a tunnel, building began two years later and the first segment of the tunnel opened in 2007.

The tunnel connects Shinagawa, Shibuya, Shinjuku and Ikebukuro, which are major sub-centres of Tokyo and ensures smooth transportation within the city.

Going at the speed limit with no traffic, it takes 18 minutes to travel the length of the tunnel.