5 Most Expensive Roads Ever Built

1. The Gotthard Base Tunnel, Switzerland

The Gotthard Base Tunnel, a marvel of modern engineering, is the world's longest railway tunnel. It stretches for 57 kilometers (35 miles) through the Swiss Alps, significantly reducing travel time between northern and southern Europe. The project, which took over 17 years to complete, cost a staggering $12 billion.

The tunnel's construction was a complex undertaking, requiring the excavation of millions of tons of rock. Engineers faced numerous challenges, including high temperatures, water pressure, and unstable rock formations. To overcome these obstacles, they employed innovative techniques such as tunnel boring machines and advanced ventilation systems.

The Gotthard Base Tunnel has revolutionized rail travel in Europe. It has reduced journey times, improved reliability, and reduced the environmental impact of transportation. Additionally, the tunnel has opened up new opportunities for tourism and economic development in the Swiss Alps.

2. The Channel Tunnel, France and the United Kingdom

The Channel Tunnel, also known as the Chunnel, is a 50.5-kilometer (31.3-mile) railway tunnel linking Folkestone, Kent, in the United Kingdom, with Coquelles, Pas-de-Calais, in France. The project, which began in 1987 and was completed in 1994, cost approximately $15 billion.

The Channel Tunnel is a significant engineering feat, as it required the construction of three tunnels: two for high-speed rail traffic and one for service vehicles. The tunnel's construction involved the use of tunnel boring machines to excavate the rock and soil beneath the English Channel.

The Channel Tunnel has significantly reduced travel time between the UK and France, making it easier for people to travel, trade, and do business. It has also had a positive impact on the economies of both countries.

3. The Qinghai-Tibet Railway, China

The Qinghai-Tibet Railway is a 1,956-kilometer (1,215-mile) railway line that connects Xining, the capital of Qinghai province, to Lhasa, the capital of Tibet Autonomous Region. The project, which was completed in 2006, cost an estimated $40 billion.

The Qinghai-Tibet Railway is one of the highest railways in the world, traversing the Tibetan Plateau at an altitude of over 5,000 meters (16,400 feet). The construction of the railway was a major engineering challenge, as it required overcoming harsh climatic conditions, including extreme cold, high altitude, and strong winds.

The railway has significantly improved transportation links between China and Tibet, boosting economic development and cultural exchange. It has also opened up the region to tourists, allowing them to experience the stunning beauty of the Tibetan Plateau.

4. The Hong Kong-Zhuhai-Macau Bridge, China

The Hong Kong-Zhuhai-Macau Bridge is a 55-kilometer (34-mile) bridge-tunnel system that connects Hong Kong, Macau, and Zhuhai in Guangdong province, China. The project, which was completed in 2018, cost an estimated $20 billion.

The bridge-tunnel system includes a 29.6-kilometer (18.4-mile) bridge, a 6.7-kilometer (4.2-mile) tunnel, and four artificial islands. The construction of the bridge was a complex undertaking, requiring advanced engineering techniques and materials to withstand the harsh marine environment.

The Hong Kong-Zhuhai-Macau Bridge has significantly improved transportation links between Hong Kong, Macau, and the Pearl River Delta region. It has also boosted economic development and cultural exchange between the three regions.

5. The Palm Jumeirah, United Arab Emirates

The Palm Jumeirah is an artificial island in Dubai, United Arab Emirates, shaped like a palm tree. The project, which was completed in 2006, cost an estimated $12 billion.

The Palm Jumeirah is one of the most ambitious land reclamation projects in history. It involved pumping sand from the seabed to create a series of islands, including a trunk, a crown, and 17 fronds. The project required advanced engineering techniques, such as rock revetment and breakwaters, to protect the island from erosion and wave action.

The Palm Jumeirah is a luxury destination, featuring high-end hotels, resorts, and residential properties. It has become a symbol of Dubai's wealth and ambition.