Iran Unveils West Asia’s Longest Road Tunnel: A Testament to Local Engineering Expertise

According to SAEDNEWS, Iran has officially completed West Asia's longest road tunnel, showcasing the country's engineering capabilities and commitment to major infrastructure projects.

The ambitious Tehran-North Freeway project began back in 1997 and initially involved foreign companies. Spanning across Tehran, Alborz, and Mazandaran provinces, the goal of the freeway is to ease traffic, reduce environmental issues, and provide a safer travel route for both tourists and locals.

In February 2020, former President Hassan Rouhani inaugurated the first section of the Tehran-North Freeway, which extends almost 32 kilometers, connecting the capital city to Shahrestanak county in Alborz province. This section has significantly shortened travel times between Tehran and the popular Mazandaran region.

Earlier this year, new developments took place when President Ebrahim Raisi marked the opening of the freeway’s second section in July. During his visit, he urged for the construction of the third section, which will cover about 54 kilometers from Alborz Tunnel to Marzanabad in Mazandaran. This part of the freeway is unique due to its incredible elevation change, starting at 2,200 meters above sea level and descending to almost sea level, making it one of Iran's standout road projects.

Overall, the Tehran-North Freeway will stretch for 121 kilometers, with three of its four sections already operational. Initially, foreign contractors were involved in the project but completed less than 25% after two decades. Iranian engineers then stepped in, tackling the project’s complex engineering tasks and pushing it to completion.

In a related achievement, Iran also inaugurated the Alborz Tunnel in late July 2021, which is now the longest road tunnel in West Asia. Spanning 6.5 kilometers, this tunnel runs through the eastern Alborz mountain range. It was aimed at cutting down on travel time and costs for those traveling between Tehran and the Caspian Sea coast.

The Alborz Tunnel represents a significant investment of over $160 million, funded by the Iranian government and the Mostazafan Foundation. Together, these projects symbolize Iran's dedication to advancing its infrastructure and showcasing homegrown engineering talent.

first published in Mehr News Agency