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Title: Officials endorse tunnel to link Alaska and Siberia by train - reports
Source:
http://www.independent.co.uk/travel/news-and-advice/official
URL Source: http://independent.co.uk
Published: Aug 28, 2011
Author: staff
Post Date: 2011-08-28 17:43:54 by Ferret Mike
Keywords: None
Views: 2163
Comments: 6
Russia appears to be edging closer to giving the go-ahead for an underwater tunnel which could one day allow vacationers in Alaska to take a day trip to Siberia in Russia. The tunnel, which would reportedly be 65 miles (105 km) long and bored under the icy waters of the narrow Bering Strait which separates Russia from North America above the Pacific Sea, was reportedly backed by high-profile Russian politician Aleksandr Levinthal this week. London's The Times reported that Levinthal endorsed the idea at a conference on developing Russia's north-eastern rail infrastructure - although it was first mooted by Tsar Nicholas II over a hundred years ago. At twice the length of the Channel Tunnel that connects Britain and France, it will be an ambitious engineering project - but one which could bring considerable benefits for travelers. It could mean, for example, a spectacular overland train journey from Europe to New York City, traveling through Moscow and the icy landscapes of Siberia and Alaska before heading down to warmer climes. In one direction, it would even save travelers time, as the tunnel would pass straight through the International Date Line, changing the clocks of those taking the journey by nearly a full day. However, a considerable amount of work lies ahead for the project to become reality, as neither Alaska nor Siberia have constructed rail links that reach to the extremes of their respective territories. Reports suggest that the epic project could be complete by 2045, based on the current schedule of improvements to the Russian rail system.
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#1. To: Ferret Mike (#0)
I figure we'll be able to do Star Trek human transports by air waves by then. What a waste of money. No one lives in Alaska except dingbats and canaries.
Indeed, times are changing there. Why, even the worst of the Tundra trash is buying homes in Arizona and moving south.
This makes little economic sense, so of course the government will probably do it.
Siberia would certainly be an improvement over Alaska.
Who is paying for this? Russia footing the bill, have at it, as that could be the only way it is built. The USA is broke and broken.
Never swear "allegiance" to anything other than the 'right to change your mind'!
They generally have better rail equipment then we do. maybe it would be better all the way around to make this a Russan project.
Reports suggest that the epic project could be complete by 2045...
#2. To: Fred Mertz (#1)
"No one lives in Alaska except dingbats and canaries."
#3. To: Ferret Mike (#0)
In a global economy, borrowing money to stimulate demand is a foolish proposition -- jwpegler
#4. To: Ferret Mike (#0)
Russia appears to be edging closer to giving the go-ahead for an underwater tunnel which could one day allow vacationers in Alaska to take a day trip to Siberia in Russia.
#5. To: Ferret Mike (#0)
#6. To: Brian S (#5)
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