The Suez Canal Corridor Development Project in Egypt aims at more effectively capitalising on the Suez Canal, creating an integrated industrial and logistics zone to boost the country’s economic growth. A rapid and easy link between both banks of the Canal was essential in this project. Thus, the developers have planned the construction of high capacity road and rail tunnels at three locations: Port Said (North), Suez (South), and Ismailia (halfway between the two others).
With a total length of 5.8 km, its deepest point reaching 53 m under sea level, an internal diameter of 11.4m, and two lanes in each direction, the Ismailia Twin-tube Road Tunnel is undoubtedly the most impressive part of the development. Especially considering the environmental challenges faced, as temperatures rise to up to 40°C, and large amounts of sand have to be dealt with.