Transcontinental Tunnel Across the Bering Strait

The project envisions a potential intercontinental corridor capable of linking Eurasia and North America via the Bering Strait. In various forms, the idea has been discussed since the late 19th century, with both bridge and tunnel options proposed at different times. In later concepts, priority was given to an underwater railway tunnel with access to the Diomede Islands, considered as intermediate construction points.

One of the early concepts, known as the “Cosmopolitan Railway,” was proposed in 1890 by William Gilpin, the first Governor of Colorado. In the 20th century, the idea of the crossing evolved from bridge structures associated with the projects of Joseph Strauss and dam constructions proposed by engineer Pyotr Borisov to the creation of a full-fledged underwater corridor.

One possible scenario involves the construction of an underwater tunnel 86–112 km long, at depths ranging from 36 to 90 meters, with intermediate exits on Ratmanov Island (Big Diomede) and Kruzenshtern Island (Little Diomede). Among the expected macroeconomic effects are increased trade turnover, enhanced transport connectivity, and economic stimulation of adjacent territories through the creation of new jobs.

According to expert estimates, direct capital costs for the underwater section may reach USD 65 billion, with an implementation period of 8 to 12 years. However, according to the CEO of the Russian Direct Investment Fund, technologies developed by Elon Musk’s company The Boring Company could reduce costs to USD 8 billion. Nevertheless, the level of associated risks remains high, including harsh climatic conditions, the seasonal nature of construction work, seismic factors, the complexity of engineering development in remote areas, and geopolitical constraints.

Author: Candidate of Economic Sciences, Lecturer, Department of World Economy and World Finance, Financial University under the Government of the Russian Federation Tamara Teymurazovna Adamia.