The U.S. and Russia Plan the World's Longest Tunnel, To Link to Russia to Alaska

[jmc247]

Russia plans to build the world's longest tunnel, a transport and pipeline link under the Bering Strait to Alaska, as part of a $65 billion project to supply the U.S. with oil, natural gas and electricity from Siberia. The project, which Russia is coordinating with the U.S. and Canada, would take 10 to 15 years to complete, Viktor Razbegin, deputy head of industrial research at the Russian Economy Ministry, told reporters in Moscow today.

A 6,000-kilometer (3,700-mile) transport corridor from Siberia into the U.S. will feed into the tunnel, which at 64 miles will be more than twice as long as the underwater section of the Channel Tunnel between the U.K. and France, according to the plan. The tunnel would run in three sections to link the two islands in the Bering Strait between Russia and the U.S.

http://www.bloomberg.com/apps/news?pid=20670001&refer=home&sid=a0bsMii8oKXw

Now that is a long ass tunnel. It puts the tunnel connecting Europe and the UK to shame.

[Joe Grendel]

I cannot imagine more hellish working conditions than the bottom of the Bering Strait.

[Mike Smash!]

I cannot imagine more hellish working conditions than the bottom of the Bering Strait.

I beg to differ. I can vouch for this one:

http://images.businessweek.com/ss/06/07/top_brands/image/kfc.jpg

[Drew Van T.]

Now that is a long ass tunnel. It puts the tunnel connecting Europe and the UK to shame.

I don't see a lot of people passing through it, though. Alaska and Siberia aren't exactly densely populated nor tourist hubs, the way London and Paris are.

It might be a new record but it's one few people will experience. I've been through the Chunnel six or seven times.

[Michael P]

Eh, Bigby Wolf'd probably still swim it.

[The Mirrorball Man]

I'm jealous. We LOVE our tunnels here in Switzerland. I could tell you more but the Military Police would probably arrest me. :p

[BlairH]

I'm jealous. We LOVE our tunnels here in Switzerland. I could tell you more but the Military Police would probably arrest me. :p

We already know about your plans to trap Russian tank crews...

[Typo Lad]

This is terrible! All those furriners, getting easy access to our home!

[The Mirrorball Man]

We already know about your plans to trap Russian tank crews...

Pfff! That's just plan 'A'! :D

[Winslow]

But this will allow the Soviets direct access to the North American continent. I must object!

(times sure have have changed)

[Darth Joker]

Looks like the Communists master plan has worked out after all. ;)

[Dreadstar]

The Russians already have the world's longest, deepest tunnel. Her name is Svetlana, and she works the 50 Ruble corner.

[i_mmmchocolate]

I don't see a lot of people passing through it, though. Alaska and Siberia aren't exactly densely populated nor tourist hubs, the way London and Paris are.
It sounds like an interesting albeit bizarre idea. I too can't imagine folks using it often.

[Dreadstar]

It sounds like an interesting albeit bizarre idea. I too can't imagine folks using it often.

Oh c'mon, who wouldn't want to drive to Europe?

[Ed Cunard]

Just think about the possibility of the world's most awesome road trip--the southern tip of South America to Alaska to Russia across Europe and down to South Africa.

[i_mmmchocolate]

Oh c'mon, who wouldn't want to drive to Europe?
That would be one long ass ride. I'd be better off buying a boat and crossing the Atlantic.

[Winslow]

That would be one long ass ride. I'd be better off buying a boat and crossing the Atlantic.

Been there done that.

The North Atlantic is a bitch though. Bring your sea sick tablets.

[Drew Van T.]

It sounds like an interesting albeit bizarre idea. I too can't imagine folks using it often.

And what if Russian energy exports to the US fail to materialize? Could be for all sorts of reasons: Putin's geostrategic posturing, diplomatic spats, or simply China or India developing such an appetite for oil and gas that they get it all.

When that happens, it'll be a 65 billion dollar project that is only used by an occasional globetrotter.

[berk]

The North Atlantic is a bitch. I believe this was the working title for "The Sea Is a Harsh Mistress", wasn't it?

[BlairH]

Be wary of deals made with those pesky commie Reds!

[Sabrina_Fried]

Not the first time Alaska and Siberia have been connected (http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Bering_land_bridge).

Though of course the last time these two places were connected it didn't include a built in pipeline. Guaranteed that even if the rest of the project falls through, that part gets built.

Sabrina