Several prominent tunnels worldwide are built underwater, serving various purposes from connecting landmasses to facilitating utility lines beneath bodies of water. These engineering marvels are designed to withstand the immense pressure of water and provide vital infrastructure links.
Understanding Underwater Tunnels
An underwater tunnel is a passage constructed beneath a body of water, such as a river, bay, or sea. Unlike bridges that span over water, tunnels offer advantages like being unaffected by surface weather conditions, navigation requirements for ships, or environmental impacts on marine life from bridge foundations. They are typically built using methods like immersed tube construction, boring, or cut-and-cover.
Key Examples of Underwater Tunnels
The following tunnels are notable examples of structures built underwater, each connecting significant locations and demonstrating remarkable feats of engineering:
| Name | Place | Length |
|---|---|---|
| Holland Tunnel | New York – New Jersey, USA | 2.6 km |
| Detroit–Windsor Tunnel | Windsor, Canada – Detroit, USA | 1.57 km |
| CESC Tunnel | Kolkata, India | 0.539 km |
| Tongyeong Undersea Tunnel | Tongyeong, South Korea | 0.483 km |
These tunnels facilitate transportation and essential services, playing crucial roles in regional connectivity and urban development.
To learn more about these fascinating structures, you can explore the topic of underwater tunnels.
