[2] Altogether, the three-branch subsea tunnel is 11.24 kilometres (6.98 mi) long, including the roundabout.

[5][4] The idea for the Eysturoyartunnil emerged during the construction of Vágatunnilin and Norðoyatunnilin, opened in 2002 and 2006, which heralded a new look on domestic transport and regional development.

CIP made secret arrangements with the Faroese minister for transport, Kári P. Højgaard, who had to resign in early September as this became public.

In 2015, after the outcome of an official inquiry, the cabinet of Kaj Leo Johannesen had to call for early elections.

[11][12] Meanwhile, in the aftermath of the political crisis of 2013, a special commission drafted a proposal for a public rather than a private solution.

[13] This proposal was supported by all parties and in 2014 led to the establishment of a public company, P/F Eystur- og Sandoyartunlar (in short 'EStunlar' or EST).

As a result, the tolls for Eysturoyartunnilin will not decrease as traffic numbers increase (price inelasticity).

The Strendur team reached the underwater roundabout section on 4 December 2017,[19] at which point 3,059 metres (10,036 ft) had been dug from both sides combined.

The last blast occurred on 7 June 2019, after which tarmacking, cabling, installing emergency facilities and signposting took several months.

The main branch from Tórshavn to the roundabout measures 7,460 metres (24,480 ft) and resurfaces by the village of Hvítanes.

[22] In order to increase safety, no incline in the tunnel is steeper than 0.5 per cent, and the lowest point is 189 metres (620 ft) below the water's surface.

[23][4] The roundabout is fitted with metal artwork by the Faroese artist Tróndur Patursson, as well as lighting effects.

[4] The artwork is an 80-metre (260 ft) piece custom-made for the tunnel, featuring a combination of human silhouettes and light effects.

[24][25] Each tunnel portal features a sequence of freestanding concrete and lit arches, as landmarks.

For Eysturoyartunnilin there was a ceremony with speeches and music before the tunnel opened, which was broadcast live by the Faroese Television KVF.

[33] The national government and Runavik municipality agreed on the construction of a bypass between the tunnel mouth and the town limits of Glyvrar, in order to alleviate the increasing traffic through the town streets once the tunnel has opened.