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
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 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.
Take a Look at What Our Ancestors Really Looked Like!
Impressive technology was used to recreate the face of some of our ancient ancestors through the structure and anatomy of their skull. Take a look:
Never Heard of Neural Network Art? Prepare to Be Astounded
If you've never seen neural network art before, then prepare to be utterly amazed!
Take a Trip in a Flight Simulator Worth $13 Million
What's it like to be trained inside an expensive flight simulator? Watch this video and find out!
5 World-Changing Medical Advances From the Past Decade
Perhaps the most important technological advancements are those related to healthcare. Here are 5 such incredible medical breakthroughs from the past decade.
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.
15 of the World's Most Beautiful Historic Race Cars
These race cars weren't only effective on track, they also happen to be absolutely stunning to look at. Here are 15 of the most beautiful race cars ever.
The Golden Age of Two Wheels: Exploring Classic Motorbikes
Today, let’s ride back to the past and explore some of the most iconic motorcycles in history.
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.
Look Ma, No Eyes: How Self-Driving Cars "See" Obstacles
The technology that allows self-driving cars to detect and navigate around obstacles
The Great Lakes Claimed Many Ships - Here Are 7 Of Them
The Great Lakes used to be America's busiest highways. Unfortunately, it wasn't always smooth sailing. Here are the stories of 7 shipwrecks haunting the lakes.
The 10 Worst Jet Airplanes Ever to Fly...
From the farcical, to the catastrophic and downright dangerous, these are the 10 worst jet airplanes ever.
These Are the 10 of the Fastest Trains On the Planet...
Trains are a huge part of how we get things from place to place. But which are the fastest, and why is that?
These Classic Beauties Are Unbelievably Pricey and Rare
Each year, many a beautiful car changes hands, but some are the creme de la creme of the entire world. Here they are for your viewing pleasure, all in one place
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.
Crazy! I Have Never Seen Vehicles Loaded Like This Before
I thought I had overloaded my car before, and been on some crowded buses and trains. But I have never seen anything like these overcrowded vehicles!
Yikes! These Cars Are Truly The Worst Ever Made...
Some cars are a really a blot on the world's roads. From hideous styling, to pathetic performance and alarming safety, these 15 are the worst of the worst.
Have You Ever Seen Cars as Weird as THESE?
These 25 cars are the strangest you have ever seen.
17 Bizarre Autos That Will Leave You Scratching Your Head
Explore the world of weird cars that defy the norms of automotive design.
When People Messed With Their Cars… With Bizarre Results
Sometimes people make the weirdest modifications in their cars. Take a look.
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.
Some People Have the Strangest Cars...
Photos of some of the most bizarre automobiles you've ever seen.
The Fighting Elite: 10 Modern and Dangerous Tanks!
These are the 10 most advanced war machines you can find on the battlefield around the world.
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.
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.
The Story of the Only Aircraft Built With Pivoting Wings
Did you know NASA once tested pivoting wing technology?
These Are Some of the Most Unusual Trains Ever Made
Join us on a fascinating journey of history’s most unusual trains.
10 Groundbreaking Cars that Changed the Auto Industry
There have been many innovative cars that have come to market over the decades, however these 10 cars were revolutionary. Take a look at these 10 game-changers.
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
Presenting 15 of the Biggest Airplanes Ever Built
These are the biggest and juiciest airplanes every piloted. I bet you'd love to ride on one of these beauties!
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!
“What Did You Do to Your Car?!” – Bizarre Modifications
These car modifications have gone out of hand!
The Car, the Star: 12 Famous Cars From Movies and TV
There were many famous cars in movies and TV over the years, but some stand out above all the others. Here are the 12 most famous ever to grace our screens.
The Germans Really Knew How to Build Fine Supercars...
The Germans are renowned the world over for their engineering, but sometimes they just go completely mad. Here are 11 of the most incredible German supercars.
I Thought I'd Seen it All... Until I Saw These Cars...
These owners must have spent a fortune putting their strange creations together on wheels.
Why is Europe Cutting Down on Air Travel?
Europe is seriously considering a shift from air travel to high-speed railway systems, but why?
Watch: See the Terrifying Ripsaw Tank in Action!
Have you ever dreamed of owning an outstandingly unique vehicle? If so, then a Ripsaw tank might turn out to be just what you've been looking for!
7 Monstrously Massive Machines You Won’t Believe Are Real
What is the largest vehicle in the world? Here are some monstrous examples.
James Bond's Best 15 Cars, Boats and Planes!
James Bond is a movie icon, but the super-spy would not have been half as effective without his fleet of luxury vehicles armed with his signature gadgets.
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.
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.
12 of the Weirdest Things Car Mechanics Saw on the Job
Turns out car mechanics regularly spot all kinds of crazy things on the job. Take a look at these 12 highlights
11 Forgotten Standard Car Features We Don't Use Anymore
Would you want these old car features to be brought back?
Days Of Future Past: 14 Bizarre Cars From Bygone Eras
These wacky retro car concepts are seriously so cool.
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...
The Bus-Train: A Game-Changer in Public Transportation
Hop aboard the 'Dual-Mode Vehicle (DMV)' – a bus that can transform into a train.