Elon Musk, a tech visionary and super-billionaire, appears to have solved the global problem of traffic congestion – he proposes building digging roads underneath existing roads and having cars slide along on “sleds” at speeds of up to 124 mph.
Citing an example of what sort of an impact such a transit system could have in urban areas, he cited the journey between Westwood and LAX Airport in Los Angeles as an example. Whereas it normally takes some 30 minutes to complete the journey in normal traffic, the car sleds would take just 5 to 6 minutes.
In Musk’s design, cars will connect to platforms, or sleds, that are linked to a roadway. They will then be lowered into a rabbit-warren of underground tunnels beneath a city’s streets, and whisked along to their destinations at high speeds - all under the careful watch of a centralized computer system.
Tests are already underway at Musk’s SpaceX facility in California, but a major drawback is the technology currently available in the tunnel boring sector. Tunnel boring machines of the present day are so slow – they’re capable of boring about 33 feet per day - that it would take years to dig an underground network beneath a city’s streets.
Other obstacles include the costs of mapping the geology, negotiating with city planners, and keeping the interests of those above ground at heart. When all of these things are considered, the whole thing starts to seem ridiculous, but on the other hand, the world has come a long way since the great engineer, Isambard Kingdom Brunel, dug a tunnel beneath London’s River Thames after realizing that the last thing that the city needed was another bridge.
In addition, if there’s one thing that Elon Musk has that'll help solve a seemingly insurmountable problem, it’s cash - and truckloads of it. The thing is, the startup company he has set up specifically to figure out this problem, the Boring Company, is currently being staffed by interns and part-time workers. Their only goal at present is to get a tunnel boring machine to move faster than the company’s pet snail, named Gary.
Existing tunnel boring technology is so slow that Gary can actually move some 14 times faster than a tunnel boring machine can bore through rock. All of these things make this idea look really far-out, so it’s difficult to know how seriously to take Musk on this particular project.
He has even admitted that he and his team don’t really know what they’re doing, but with that being said, it’s tough not to feel enthusiastic about him sinking money and resources into a somewhat bonkers idea with a tiny hope of solving traffic congestion, which is the bane of our existence for many of us.
BONUS - Watch Elon Musk's idea in action:
Content and image source: Science Alert
11 Technologies to Potentially Achieving Immortality
Scientists are hard at work developing technologies that could extend our lifespans and even make us immortal. Here are 11 of them.
Is It Possible to Power the Whole World with Just WIND?
IS it possible to create a world powered entirely by the wind? In this fascinating video, you will take a deep dive into the science of wind turbine technology...
These Cases Were Cold... Until Science Cracked Them
Technology and science aren't always about the future. Take a look at these cold cases that were solved only thanks to the advances of science.
It's Official: Gene-Edited Babies Are Now a Reality
A Chinese scientist claims to have created the world's first gene-edited babies. Let's take a closer look at the implications of this news, and what it means.
This Technology Could Turn the Sahara Into a Green Forest
Scientists have figured out how to turn the Shahra Desert into green farmland, using a technique called terraforming. How is it possible? Find out here...
This is How Our Bodies Will Evolve Over the Next 100 Years
Human evolution is often talked about like something that came to a halt centuries ago, but we’re always evolving. Here's how we'll evolve over the next century.
Some People Have the Strangest Cars...
Photos of some of the most bizarre automobiles you've ever seen.
These Remarkable Cars Broke the Land Speed Record!
Having broken the speed of sound, designers are developing a car designed to travel at 1000 mph. Here are the other cars that have broken the land speed record.
Cadzilla: One of the Most Beautiful Cars Ever Made!
This may be the most beautiful Cadillac car.
10 of The Most Unusual Vehicles You Will Ever See
An odd or unusual vehicle stands out in the crowd. Here we look at some of the weirdest vehicles ever made.
The Exquisite Car Making of Eras Gone By...
Fortunately for all you car aficionados we gathered images of many of the museum's cars so that you can see these incredible masterpieces of mechanical work for yourself.
13 Lesser-Known Car Facts That May Surprise You
We're so used to cars that we sometimes forget that their history is incredibly interesting.
Invisible Warfare: Impressive Stealth Aircrafts!
The most advanced stealth airplanes around the world are a technological marvel.
These Timeless Campervans Are Classics of Their Era
There is no greater sense of freedom than hitting the road in a campervan, and some people still prefer to ride in the old classics.
“What Did You Do to Your Car?!” – Bizarre Modifications
These car modifications have gone out of hand!
Bakfiets – The Unique Car-Replacement Bicycle
Today, we would like to share with you a unique vehicle that can make commuting around the city much easier.
This Daredevil Motorcyclist Will Leave You Petrified!
Get ready to watch one of the most dangerous acts ever performed on TV, as a stunt motorcyclist performs a dangerous routine around Howie Mandel.
The Dubious History of the Volkswagen Beetle
The Volkswagen Beetle is a special vehicle and it has a long and very complicated history...
Unique Classic Cars of Exceptional Historical Value
These are the some of finest specimens of automobile design, the classic shapes and timeless look of which can leave no one indifferent
20 Most Unusual Vehicles You Won't Believe Actually Exist
So, which one of these weird cars would you like to drive?
These Are the Most Incredible Trains Ever Built
While many trains in operation today are no more than a means of very mundane transport, these 10 amazing trains will be remembered forever.
These 12 Beautiful Cars Are Literally One of a Kind
There are only one each of these beautiful, classic cars.
Step Inside the Cockpits of These Amazing Planes
Have you ever wondered what it would be like to get behind the controls of some of the most exciting planes and helicopters ever built? Well wonder no more!
14 Pics of Old Cars Being Restored To Their Original Glory
It’s so satisfying to see these classic cars being restored to their original glory.
The Eighth Wonder: How the Panama Canal Works
The Panama Canal is an engineering wonder, see how it was built and how it works here
The Man Who Built a Train in His Basement!
Jason Shron from Rapido Trains Inc. loves VIA trains so much, he built a full-size train in his basement. Not just a copy, but a real train with the real interior and exterior of the original train! Some would call him crazy, some would appreciate hi
Only One Car Was Ever Named 'The Ghost'. This is Why...
This may look like some modern re-creation, but this plexiglass Pontiac 'ghost car' model was created in 1939...
I Wish They Still Made Cars Like These Classic Hot Rods
Hot rodders spend their spare time fixing and transforming classic cars. See the stunning cars their dedication has produced.
It's Crazy That These Highly Valuable Cars Were Abandoned!
It's incredible to think that these highly valuable cars were forgotten about in garages and barns for so long. Check out these incredible barn find cars.
"Rare & Expensive" Doesn't Do These Muscle Cars Justice...
Rare and expensive are terms that don't do these muscle cars justice. Some are completely unique, while others actually started legends. Here they are!
This Might Have Been the Strangest Aircraft Ever Built
The Fairey Rotodyn was a remarkable aircraft that could have transformed air travel forever. What happened to it?
Paul Allen's Collection of WWII Planes Is Staggering!
This amazing group of planes was amassed by billionaire Paul Allen. These incredibly rare WWII fighters can be enjoyed by the general public. Take a look.
This is What Happens to Your Car When You Hit Speed Bumps
Ever wonder what happens to your car when you go over speed bumps? This video will show you using a transparent car.
Is This the Most Luxurious Train in World?
The Japanese train we’re about to show you is unlike any other public transportation you’ve seen.
Rolling Sculptures: The Most Beautiful Art Deco Cars Ever
The art deco era arguably gave rise to the most beautiful cars ever built. Let's take a journey back in time and see 12 of these extraordinary vehicles.
These Cars are Completely Bizarre and Hilarious!
From cars that look like other things to cars that look like they are about to fight zombies to cars that are half a motorcycle!
Bristol Brabazon: A Flying Marvel with a Theater!
The Bristol Brabazon was the largest aircraft ever built by Britain. And it had a movie theater? So why did fail?
Need for Speed – France's Record-Breaking SUPERFAST Train
We’ve all heard of the Japanese bullet trains, but did you know about the TGV – France’s super fast trains?
Lost in Time: The Forgotten Flying Wing…
Let's take a look at the forgotten flying wing aircraft that was decades ahead of its time.
The Very First Models of Famous Car Brands
Photos of the first models of these 10 well-known car manufacturers, so you can get an idea of where they came from and where they are now...
These Are the Strangest Vehicles I've Ever Laid Eyes On.
From a five person bike to giant monstrosities, these are some of the wildest designs for vehicles we've ever seen! Take a look!
11 Forgotten Standard Car Features We Don't Use Anymore
Would you want these old car features to be brought back?
Bugatti Veyron Vs. Euro Fighter Jet Plane: Who Wins?
2 of the fastest air and land vehicles collide to determine the grand champion of speed. Who will emerge victorious?
The World’s 8 Most Amazing and Unique Flying Cars
Check out some of the most amazing and unique flying cars that have actually existed.
These Stunning Cars Were Sold at Unbelievable Prices
These classic cars are beautiful, but you need very deep pockets if you ever fancy getting hold of one of them.
Come and See the Largest Cruise Ship in the World
Join us as we explore this gigantic cruise ship, Wonder of the Seas, and what this huge ship is all about.
Discover the Delights of the Darjeeling Line In India
The intrepid explorer, Mark Twain, took this train journey on his travels through Asia during the late 19th Century. Come and explore this enchanting railway.