The Daily Dazzling Dawn

United Kingdom |

Inside the £16trillion Transatlantic Tunnel that would link UK with America in 54 minutes

by DD Staff

December 03, 2024

Futuristic infrastructure projects could obliterate global distance barriers.

key takeaways

Global distance restrictions might be eliminated by futuristic infrastructure improvements, making distant places easily accessible. One concept that keeps coming up is the massive project of building a tunnel between the United States and Britain, which is expected to cost an incredible £15.6 trillion.

Such an endeavor would further cement the "special relationship" between the two countries, which are 3,400 miles apart. Tunnel proponents claim the trip could be shortened to a quick morning commute, whereas a current flight from London to New York takes almost eight hours.

A concept over a century old, the idea is to construct a sub-Atlantic passage, which in parts is several miles deep—dwarfing the 23.5 mile Channel Tunnel that took six years to complete. There have been numerous proposals for the Transatlantic Tunnel's execution: completely under the seabed, above it, or combining both methods.

Some propose a submerged floating tube tethered some 49 meters below the ocean, assembled from myriad pre-constructed segments and cables, allowing trains to traverse the two continents away from the crushing, deep, and unpredictable surface weather.

While most agree that the structure would be designed for trains rather than cars, car journeys would take several days and require additional infrastructure. Hypothetically, Vactrains could reach speeds up to 5,000mph, cutting the journey time from London to New York City down to a mere 54 minutes, reports the Express.

Jet propulsion has also been suggested as a method of propelling the carriages at high speed. However, this approach would necessitate an 18-minute deceleration period after reaching top speed to ensure safe arrival on the other side. Despite the enormous costs and logistical challenges associated with the concept, no serious proposals are currently being considered by governments on either side of the Atlantic.

However, in a world where reusable rockets are commonplace, and AI is becoming increasingly intelligent, the idea of popping down to Manhattan for an afternoon doesn't seem so outlandish.