How much did the Seikan Tunnel cost to build?

The Seikan Tunnel: A Triumph of Engineering at an Enormous Cost

The Seikan Tunnel, a colossal feat of engineering, stands as a testament to the ingenuity and determination of its constructors. Completed in 1988, it was an ambitious project that connected the islands of Honshu and Hokkaido, Japan. However, its construction came at a significant financial price.

Initially budgeted at ¥96 billion (US$600 million), the final cost of the Seikan Tunnel skyrocketed to a staggering ¥1.1 trillion (US$7 billion). This massive cost overrun, nearly twelve times the original estimate, is attributed to a combination of unforeseen geological challenges, complex engineering requirements, and unexpected delays.

The construction of the tunnel was a daunting task, involving the excavation of a 53.85-kilometer passage through solid rock. The presence of numerous active faults and soft geological formations required innovative engineering solutions to ensure safety and stability. Moreover, the need to navigate through the complex Tsugaru Strait, a seismically active body of water, added another layer of complexity to the project.

Despite the challenges, the Seikan Tunnel was completed after a remarkable 24 years of construction. It remains the world’s longest undersea tunnel, a testament to the skill and resilience of its builders.

To commemorate the opening of the tunnel, a commemorative coin was minted. This coin serves not only as a symbol of the achievement but also as a reminder of the tremendous cost involved in creating this remarkable piece of infrastructure.

The Seikan Tunnel stands as a reminder that while engineering marvels can be achieved, they often come at a significant financial expense. However, it also highlights the indomitable spirit of human ingenuity and the ability to overcome formidable challenges in pursuit of progress.