I think the IDEA of the Big Dig in Boston was a great idea ... move the majority of the freeway infrastructure UNDERGROUND, freeing up green space on the surface.

I think, if we could DRAMATICALLY improve tunneling technology, it could make a huge difference in so many ways.

High Speed Trains COULD actually be high speed, if they were in tunnels and straight. But you have to be able to tunnel for cheap to do that. Or you are stuck with twisty turning railroads to get around the stuff already built on the surface.

HyperOne and all that .... way easier if you have better tunnelling technology.

Bering Strait Tunnel ... connect transportation of goods between US - Russia - China - Asia. A railroad is actually faster than the boats across the Pacific, and potentially cheaper. BUT, you need at least a Bering Strait Tunnel, and probably alot more tunnels to keep the trains running in all weather.




Likewise, tunnels in the Intermountain West rather than high mountain passes would be huge for trucking, safety in the winter, etc.

We Build UP alot ... but building DOWN would be great ... if we could improve tunneling technology and make it cheaper and easier.

(think the magic tunnels in SciFi like Stargate SG-1)