A $20 Trillion Tunnel from New York to London? Not So Fast.
Imagine traveling from New York to London in just one hour. The idea of a $20 trillion transatlantic tunnel using vacuum tube technology has resurfaced, sparking discussions among engineers and futurists alike. Such a feat would require 3,000 miles of construction, and according to Newsweek, it could take nearly a millennium to complete if built at the same pace as the Channel Tunnel.
While the transatlantic tunnel remains a distant dream, other groundbreaking infrastructure projects are making real progress worldwide.
Global Infrastructure Megaprojects on the Move
- Norway’s Rogfast Tunnel: Construction is underway for the world’s deepest and longest undersea road tunnel. This ambitious project is set to enhance connectivity in northern Europe.
- Fehmarnbelt Tunnel: Connecting Denmark and Germany, this combined road and rail tunnel will be the world’s longest of its kind, slated to open in 2029.
- Southern Europe’s Bridge Ambitions: Discussions are heating up around a new bridge linking Greece and Turkey, potentially transforming regional travel.
- UK’s HS2 Rail Project: The High Speed 2 railway, one of the costliest infrastructure projects globally, is currently under construction. At $416 million per mile, it has drawn both awe and criticism for its high costs and uncertain utility.
Not all grand plans come to fruition. The UK once proposed a bridge linking Britain and Ireland, a project shelved due to deep waters, radioactive waste, and unexploded munitions beneath the route.
Travel Troubles and Innovations
Baggage Woes
Travelers continue to face challenges with airline baggage policies. This week, a musician who performed at Prince Harry and Meghan Markle’s wedding had to cancel a concert after Air Canada refused to accommodate his multi-million-dollar cello.
Meanwhile, airlines are working on solutions to improve baggage handling:
- United Airlines: Travelers can now use AirTags to track lost luggage and share the location directly with the airline.
- Japan Airlines: A new service allows baggage to be delivered directly to customers’ hotels, easing congestion on Tokyo’s public transport system.
- Delta, Lufthansa, and Qantas: These airlines are also adopting similar luggage-tracking innovations.
A Holiday Packing Reminder
Planning to travel with wrapped gifts? Think twice. Airport security may unwrap them if they raise suspicions. Worse still, as seen in New Zealand this week, one traveler was caught smuggling 10 kilos of methamphetamine disguised as Christmas presents.
Holiday Tales: From Trouble to Romance
Not all holiday travel stories are grim. Take the story of Jennea and Arthur, who met on a London train platform after Jennea missed her connection during a delayed flight. The chance encounter turned into love, showing that even winter delays can have a silver lining.
For the rest of us, heated gloves might be the best consolation during the holiday chill.
This festive season, may your travels be smooth, your luggage secure, and your holiday stories unforgettable!
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