Driving Us Underground

January 18, 2017 2:40 pm Categorised in:

For many a car enthusiast, the opportunity to be out on the open road is an unsurpassable delight. Quiet, winding country routes bring back the pleasure of being behind the wheel. The rest of the world can vanish when it’s just you, your car and a fantastic view of the road ahead.

Unfortunately, the reality is often miles from the dream. Our roads are more congested than ever and you are likely to spend at least half of your journey time in a queue of traffic. Even on a Sunday, it is difficult to escape the crowds for a pleasant drive in your pride and joy.

One solution for easing congestion on Britain’s roads is to build road tunnels. These underground passageways can be the ideal solution in densely populated cities and they can also offer a means of providing transport infrastructure without destroying the rural countryside.

As motorists, we are used to driving through short tunnels on the route into many cities, but bigger plans are afoot. Plans for extensive tunnels, running many miles could soon be the primary means of getting from A to B.

Trans- Pennine Road

Considerable attention is currently being paid on building a ‘Northern Powerhouse’. With strong industrial roots and innovative new approaches, the cities of Northern England are well-placed to thrive on the investment that is provided, but success will be dependent on strong infrastructure being in place.

The Trans-Pennine Road is an 18-mile long tunnel that is planned to run from Manchester to Sheffield. The design could allow for a much needed road network in the North of England, which doesn’t compromise on the beautiful countryside that divides the two cities.

When completed, this creation will exceed the Laerdal Tunnel in Norway, which is currently the world’s longest at 15.2 miles. Across Europe there are a significant number of lengthy underground roads, many of which provide convenient access through mountainous regions. Asia boasts the impressively long Yamate Tunnel in Japan and the Zhongnanshan Tunnel in China, along with many others.

The Driver Experience

These lengthy underground routes have highlighted a number of issues with driving conditions. It seems that being in a featureless environment can cause people to feel claustrophobic and disorientated. The monotony of the tunnel can also cause tiredness and boredom, both of which have a negative effect on driving performance.

The Laerdal and Zhongnanshan tunnels have provided inspiration on how to counteract these potential issues. The use of different coloured lighting, fake grass and trees and even projected images has been shown to provide the necessary stimulus to help drivers remain focused and calm, even after miles of tunnel driving.

These ‘props’ may help drivers to cope with the tunnel on their commute, but they really are no substitute for driving in the country. Maybe sending more cars underground will help free up some space on those enjoyable meandering routes that we prefer.

Car Storage

Meanwhile, when your treasured possession isn’t on the road, you need a safe, secure and clean environment for it. If you are looking for car storage, Oxford based ‘This is Your Garage’ can assist. See our vehicle storage page here for more info.

This is Your Garage has been set up by car enthusiasts to provide the ideal conditions for car storage. From classic cars to track day racers and rare models, we know exactly what your car needs to remain in tip top condition. With our help, your car can be ready to enjoy whenever you get the chance to hop in.


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