Ambitious Plan for Europe-Africa Rail Link Gains Traction
For adventurous travellers, the prospect of boarding a train in Europe and arriving in Africa without needing a ferry or flight is an enticing vision. Imagine departing from the Spanish coast and swiftly finding oneself amidst the captivating blue architecture of Chefchaouen, Morocco.
Mega-Project Dreams of Continental Connection
While recent years have witnessed a series of record-breaking infrastructure projects, this latest ambition could prove to be the most audacious yet. The Express consulted with Bill Bencker, a construction expert from Ace Avant Concrete Construction, to explore the engineering challenges of forging a link between Africa and Europe and assess its feasibility.
Expert Insights on Engineering Feats
“Having spent years in the field as a concrete contractor on large-scale infrastructure endeavours, I’ve gained firsthand experience in turning ambitious concepts into tangible realities. And I must say, this proposition is exceptionally bold,” Mr. Bencker stated.
“An underwater tunnel connecting Europe and Africa would represent a monumental engineering accomplishment. However, its realization would not be a simple undertaking.”
Strategic Location: Strait of Gibraltar
Selecting the optimal location is the initial critical step. Bencker suggests that the most sensible path would be across the Strait of Gibraltar, the narrow body of water separating Spain and Morocco.
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At its most constricted point, the Strait spans approximately 8.7 miles, a distance that may appear manageable. To provide context, the Laerdal Tunnel in Norway, currently the world’s longest road tunnel, extends for 15.2 miles with a transit time of around 20 minutes.
However, the Strait of Gibraltar presents significantly greater complexities. Depths in certain areas plunge to over 3,000 feet, posing considerably more difficulties compared to the Laerdal Tunnel or even the Channel Tunnel.
“Due to these profound depths, a conventional tunnel bored beneath the seabed would be problematic,” Bencker clarified. “Instead, engineers might explore a submerged floating tunnel, anchored to the seabed by cables, or a combination of a subterranean tunnel and a structure above the seabed.”
Construction Timeline: A Long-Term Endeavor
Considering the construction timeline, the question arises: Could such a tunnel be operational within our lifetimes?
“If a decade seems like a plausible timeframe, reconsider,” Bencker cautioned. “A project of this magnitude would realistically require 15 to 25 years from initial planning to completion.”
“The actual construction phase is not the primary time constraint. Lengthy durations are consumed by feasibility studies, environmental impact assessments, securing necessary funding, and navigating political agreements.”
“Even with unanimous consensus to commence immediately, extensive geological surveys and preliminary designs would necessitate years before any concrete is poured.”
For perspective, the Channel Tunnel underwent four years of studies and discussions before the procurement process commenced in 1985.
“Subsequently, the construction phase itself would be protracted and costly, owing to the complexities of underwater operations in environments characterized by extreme pressures and seismic activity.”
Cost Considerations: A Major Hurdle
A significant impediment to the realization of a Europe-Africa tunnel, despite its potentially transformative impact, is the considerable financial investment required. Bencker estimates the cost to range from £42 billion to £84 billion, contingent upon the chosen design. In contrast, the less complex Channel Tunnel incurred costs equivalent to approximately £11.7 billion in today’s currency.
“Furthermore, projects of this nature are almost invariably subject to budget overruns. Unforeseen geological conditions, fluctuations in material costs, and political delays could inflate the final expenditure even further,” the expert cautioned. “Therefore, prior to the activation of a single tunnel boring machine, decades of negotiations would be necessary merely to determine the financial responsibility.”
Feasibility Assessment: Technology vs. Reality
The fundamental question remains: Is the project even achievable?
“From an engineering standpoint, the necessary technology to construct such a tunnel exists. Nations like Norway and China are already experimenting with submerged floating tunnels, and advancements in deep-sea construction are continually progressing,” Bencker affirmed.
“However, feasibility encompasses more than just technological capability; it also involves assessing political and economic viability.”
“Would the demand justify the substantial investment? Likely, yes – trade and tourism between Europe and Africa are already experiencing robust growth. Nevertheless, concerns regarding security, border management, and migration policies could impede or even completely halt the project.”
Outlook: A Distant Prospect
“In my assessment, it is technically feasible, but the path to realization is protracted and arduous. Considering the immense costs, political intricacies, and technical challenges, substantial impetus from the Spanish and Moroccan governments and investors will be essential to transform this vision into reality.”