But it would create jobs working the trains that'd go through the tunnel though, so I don't think there'd be too much gain or loss there.
Trains typically have far fewer staff per passenger than ferries
But it would create jobs working the trains that'd go through the tunnel though, so I don't think there'd be too much gain or loss there.
Trains typically have far fewer staff per passenger than ferries
If we were looking at "idiotically expensive" type solutions,
Not a bridge as such; the Chinese use long stretches of HSL elevated on viaducts through densely populated and/or swampy ground (this is the one you're thinking of). Such a bridge over deep sea is a very different prospect.
I agree though that the "how" is an economic question. If an economic justification could be found, it could be built - the technical challenges are nothing new (c.f. the Seikan tunnel, which goes 240 metres below sea level). If it were to happen, linking a new London-Wales HSL on to Dublin and though to Belfast seems a good option - more capacity than HS2 and a quicker London-Dublin journey than the northern crossing.
There is a lot more to this than simply building a bridge.
Assuming you go for a Stranraer 'jumping off point' with a drive through combined road/rail bridge-tunnel system what would be the connections you would make?.
Assuming you go for a Stranraer 'jumping off point' with a drive through combined road/rail bridge-tunnel system what would be the connections you would make?
Extension of the M77 from just north of Kilmarnock would seem logical, along with major upgrades to the line to Stranraer (electrification, double tracking and ~100mph running?) from Glasgow to enable multiple fast trains per hour.
However, what about providing a road and rail link to England?
Some sort of motorway/dual carriageway would have to be run to Carlisle - perhaps running as an extension of the M6 now that the M74 seems to have avoided renumbering?
A new railway line would certainly be required because the current route via Troon would take hours even with upgrades.
Perhaps a section of HSL between Dumfries/Annan and the bridge portal?
What about connections on the Northern Ireland side?
There is a lot more to this than simply building a bridge.