A motley assortment of interesting (?) things

Wednesday, April 18, 2007

Tunnels Galore

The world suddenly seems to be obsessed with the idea of Submarine tunnels. A decade after British and French engineers demonstrated that it could be done, and after the two governments showed it could be maintained and run profitably, more engineers and governments are waking up to the idea.

Spain and Morocco want one. Right under one of the busiest maritime routes too, I wonder who is going to foot the $30Million bill though. If the Chunnel construction is any indication then the schedule and cost are bound to be many times the original estimate.

The one Russia wants to Alaska under the Bering strait, makes the Spanish tunnel seem small. The proposed 102km tunnel outclasses both the Spanish 39km tunnel and the 51.5km Chunnel. It is estimated to cost about $10-12Billion and is expected to pay for itself in 20 years.

Makes me wonder though, once these tunnels are complete, one would be able to drive from any continent to any other continent if one wants to? Hmm... right there is the idea for a never-been-done-before!

No comments: