Switzerland unveils the grand opening of its colossal tunnel.

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The Gotthard base tunnel, located in Switzerland, has taken the crown as the longest tunnel in the world, surpassing the Japanese Seikan rail tunnel and the English Chunnel. Completed after nearly two decades of construction, the tunnel spans an impressive 35.4 miles, making it the longest subterranean passageway in the globe.

The construction of the Gotthard base tunnel was a monumental feat, with over 30 short tons of debris being excavated and 73 different types of rock, including granite and chalk, being blasted and drilled through. The project was led by Detlef Grießbach, who coordinated the complex operation with great success.

The Gotthard base tunnel's completion has caused a significant shift in the global tunnel rankings. The Japanese Seikan rail tunnel, which previously held the record for longest, now falls to second place, while the English Chunnel drops to third.

The construction of the Gotthard base tunnel was no small feat, costing over $12 billion. Despite this hefty price tag, the project was completed within the timeframe and budget originally set out.

One of the most notable benefits of the Gotthard base tunnel is the reduction in travel time for both freight goods and passenger travel. The tunnel will cut the travel time from Zurich to Milan down by an hour, making the journey a mere two hours and 40 minutes.

The completion of the Gotthard base tunnel has also had a ripple effect on other long tunnels worldwide, affecting their rankings. Jay Bennett, the associate editor of PopularMechanics.com and a renowned writer for Smithsonian, Popular Science, and Outside Magazine, has covered the story extensively.

In addition to its length, the Gotthard base tunnel is also the deepest, running up to 1.4 miles below the surface in sections. The rock excavated during the construction was used to make concrete to support the tunnel, ensuring its stability and longevity.

In conclusion, the Gotthard base tunnel is a testament to human ingenuity and perseverance. Its completion marks a significant milestone in the world of engineering and transportation, and its impact on travel times and global tunnel rankings will be felt for years to come.