On 27 February in Japan, the governor of the northern Aomori prefecture initiated the final blast to breakthrough what is claimed to be the world’s longest land tunnel, the 26.5km long rail tunnel through the Hakkoda mountains.
The US$600M tunnel will not hold the title for long however as Spain’s 28.4km long Guadarrama tunnel and Switzerland’s 34.6km long Lötschberg tunnel are both due to be completed this year.
The tunnel will form part of an extension to Japan’s high-speed bullet train network. The entire extension will take seven more years to complete according to reports. The final concrete works now have to take place in the tunnel, followed by laying of the tracks.
Critics have already said the tunnel will not be financially viable as the link will be serving an area that does not have a high enough population density to ensure a well patronised service. New infrastructure is keenly lobbied for by regions, however, as it is perceived as a good strategy to stimulate growth and economies.
