# Could we build a bridge across the Pacific Ocean? **URL:** \ **Category:** Factual Questions\ **Created:** [January 23, 2013, 9:12pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/could-we-build-a-bridge-across-the-pacific-ocean/648152 "2013-01-23T21:12:07Z")\ **Posts on this page:** 20\ **Page:** 5
**Author:** ![Johanna](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/johanna/32/8318_2.png) [@Johanna](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Johanna)\ **Post date:** [January 26, 2013, 5:09am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/could-we-build-a-bridge-across-the-pacific-ocean/648152/81 "2013-01-26T05:09:18Z")
> [@gnoitall](#): > > If you’re building far enough north to make Pykrete a viable material, you may as well just bridge the Bering Strait conventionally and be done with it. Bring the economic development and truck stops and McDonald’ses to the Chukchi, or to Hokkaido? Somebody’s going to lose out. At least the Bering Strait has the Diomede Islands, which at the minimum form two natural pylons. ---
**Author:** ![John\_DiFool](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/john_difool/32/19543_2.png) [@John\_DiFool](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/John_DiFool)\ **Post date:** [January 26, 2013, 1:14pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/could-we-build-a-bridge-across-the-pacific-ocean/648152/82 "2013-01-26T13:14:52Z")
> [@Johanna](#): > > Not that his has any real **bearing** on your argument here, but it’s just interesting that the literal meaning of the name Alaska, from Aleut language _alaxsxaq_, is ‘the mainland’. Even more literally, ‘the object toward which the sea’s action is directed’. I see what you did there. ---
**Author:** ![robert\_columbia](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/r/e79b87/32.png) [@robert\_columbia](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/robert_columbia)\ **Post date:** [January 26, 2013, 2:46pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/could-we-build-a-bridge-across-the-pacific-ocean/648152/83 "2013-01-26T14:46:45Z")
> [@Johanna](#): > > Bring the economic development and truck stops and McDonald’ses to the Chukchi, or to Hokkaido? Somebody’s going to lose out. At least the Bering Strait has the Diomede Islands, which at the minimum form two natural pylons. However, you could cheat and build a bridge just between Little Diomede and Big Diomede. The distance is less than that of the Chesapeake Bay Bridge and I don’t think it’s much deeper. You then have a road or rail link between the US and Russia. To go from Anchorage to Vladivostok you would then still have to fly or sail parts of the way, but you can walk, drive, or take a train across the border. Maybe that’s good enough. ---
**Author:** ![AaronX](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/a/7bcc69/32.png) [@AaronX](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/AaronX)\ **Post date:** [January 26, 2013, 4:34pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/could-we-build-a-bridge-across-the-pacific-ocean/648152/84 "2013-01-26T16:34:34Z")
How about a series of rotating bridges, like the hands of a clock? Cars wouldn’t have to drive all the ways, just hop between hands and wait for the hand to take them to the next one. ---
**Author:** ![Elendil\_s\_Heir](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/e/7cd45c/32.png) [@Elendil\_s\_Heir](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Elendil_s_Heir)\ **Post date:** [January 26, 2013, 5:20pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/could-we-build-a-bridge-across-the-pacific-ocean/648152/85 "2013-01-26T17:20:40Z")
> [@Gyrate](#): > > I bet [Brunel](http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=21QqXumEWFU) could do it. Absolutely. If anyone could do it, he could. Amazing guy: [Isambard Kingdom Brunel - Wikipedia](http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Isambard_Kingdom_Brunel) ---
**Author:** ![Leo\_Bloom](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/leo_bloom/32/10377_2.png) [@Leo\_Bloom](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Leo_Bloom)\ **Post date:** [January 26, 2013, 6:12pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/could-we-build-a-bridge-across-the-pacific-ocean/648152/86 "2013-01-26T18:12:24Z")
Could you shorten the ocean? [You guys are thinking in the box too much.] ---
**Author:** ![TriPolar](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/tripolar/32/3008_2.png) [@TriPolar](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/TriPolar)\ **Post date:** [January 26, 2013, 6:20pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/could-we-build-a-bridge-across-the-pacific-ocean/648152/87 "2013-01-26T18:20:35Z")
Or drain the ocean? Maybe just drill a hole in the bottom. ---
**Author:** ![friedo](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/f/8edcca/32.png) [@friedo](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/friedo)\ **Post date:** [January 26, 2013, 6:24pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/could-we-build-a-bridge-across-the-pacific-ocean/648152/88 "2013-01-26T18:24:56Z")
We don’t need a bridge across the Pacific. I’m thinking: giant car slingshot. ---
**Author:** ![Exapno\_Mapcase](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/exapno_mapcase/32/1051_2.png) [@Exapno\_Mapcase](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Exapno_Mapcase)\ **Post date:** [January 26, 2013, 6:44pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/could-we-build-a-bridge-across-the-pacific-ocean/648152/89 "2013-01-26T18:44:48Z")
> [@Leo\_Bloom](#): > > Could you shorten the ocean? [You guys are thinking in the box too much.] [Don’t Raise the Bridge (Lower the River)](http://www.amazon.com/Dont-Raise-Bridge-Lower-River/dp/B000UEM342/ref=sr_1_5?ie=UTF8&qid=1359225788&sr=8-5&keywords=don%27t+raise+the+bridge+lower+the+river). ---
**Author:** ![Mama\_Zappa](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/m/71e660/32.png) [@Mama\_Zappa](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Mama_Zappa)\ **Post date:** [January 28, 2013, 9:01pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/could-we-build-a-bridge-across-the-pacific-ocean/648152/90 "2013-01-28T21:01:21Z")
> [@Lord\_Feldon](#): > > A bridge across the Bering Strait is probably doable. > > _Getting_ to the bridge would be a challenge, but the bridge would sure _be_ there, connecting vast nothingness to vast nothingness. Yep - one of those “would we do it??” shows on one of the science networks mentioned such a bridge - and the point that yes, it maybe could be done -but the two points it would connect are so far from anything else on either continent, that it just didn’t make economic sense. On the North American side, it would be hundreds of miles to even get to Fairbanks or Anchorage, and some of the terrain might not even be capable of supporting a train or road (one of the reasons Juneau is landlocked, for example - I don’t recall the details but apparently it’d be pretty much impossible to support a road in some spots). ---
**Author:** ![eschereal](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/eschereal/32/18939_2.png) [@eschereal](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/eschereal)\ **Post date:** [January 28, 2013, 9:17pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/could-we-build-a-bridge-across-the-pacific-ocean/648152/91 "2013-01-28T21:17:32Z")
> [@AaronX](#): > > How about a series of rotating bridges, like the hands of a clock? Cars wouldn’t have to drive all the ways, just hop between hands and wait for the hand to take them to the next one. This is an interesting concept, but it would more likely work as a sort of ferry system, where you park on a platform that gets handed along the sections. That way, the “bridge” sections only have to rotate when when there is traffic, and the hazard of a car driving into the drink is greatly reduced. And, theoretically, you could make it a multiple-path structure with more than just two terminii. Of course, to get across before the passengers expire of thirst or exposure, the sections would have to rotate rather quickly, meaning you would have to cant the platforms in motion to prevent the cars from being flung off. The biggest hurdle to any long ocean bridge, though, is weather. Two thousand miles from land, the storms can, and do, get pretty rough. I was following a sailboat race that was crossing the south Pacific last April, where the data was showing 5+ meter waves, how is a bridge system to account for that? ---
**Author:** ![Boyo\_Jim](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/b/87869e/32.png) [@Boyo\_Jim](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Boyo_Jim)\ **Post date:** [January 28, 2013, 9:24pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/could-we-build-a-bridge-across-the-pacific-ocean/648152/92 "2013-01-28T21:24:05Z")
> [@For You](#): > > This is an interesting concept, but it would more likely work as a sort of ferry system, where you park on a platform that gets handed along the sections. … It is interesting in the sense that it is the least efficient means I can imagine to get the cars across, as they would have to travel a distance at least 3 times what a straight line distance would be. And how fast would these things have to spin to make the travel time reasonable? Maybe fast enough to fling the cars off them unless they’re tied down. ---
**Author:** ![eschereal](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/eschereal/32/18939_2.png) [@eschereal](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/eschereal)\ **Post date:** [January 28, 2013, 10:14pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/could-we-build-a-bridge-across-the-pacific-ocean/648152/93 "2013-01-28T22:14:47Z")
> [@Boyo\_Jim](#): > > It is interesting in the sense that it is the least efficient means I can imagine to get the cars across, as they would have to travel a distance at least 3 times what a straight line distance would be. And how fast would these things have to spin to make the travel time reasonable? Maybe fast enough to fling the cars off them unless they’re tied down. Your math is off by 2x: the cars would be making a half-circle, increasing the distance by a little over half. And I address the flinging bit in my post, look up the word “cant” (no apostrophe). Yes, it is highly impractical. I invite you to revisit the OP to see that the subject of this thread lacks any connection to the concepts “practical”, “feasible”, or “sensible”. ---
**Author:** ![Boyo\_Jim](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/b/87869e/32.png) [@Boyo\_Jim](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Boyo_Jim)\ **Post date:** [January 28, 2013, 10:28pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/could-we-build-a-bridge-across-the-pacific-ocean/648152/94 "2013-01-28T22:28:29Z")
> [@For You](#): > > Your math is off by 2x: the cars would be making a half-circle, increasing the distance by a little over half. And I address the flinging bit in my post, look up the word “cant” (no apostrophe). > > Yes, it is highly impractical. I invite you to revisit the OP to see that the subject of this thread lacks any connection to the concepts “practical”, “feasible”, or “sensible”. :smack: You’re right I was thinking 2 pi R, and simply removed the 2 without thinking that D = 2R. OTOH, there could be one advantage to a rotating system – it could theoretically be wind powered, that is if you are willing to spend Og knows how long on the crossing. ---
**Author:** ![Blakeyrat](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/b/ecd19e/32.png) [@Blakeyrat](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Blakeyrat)\ **Post date:** [January 28, 2013, 11:16pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/could-we-build-a-bridge-across-the-pacific-ocean/648152/95 "2013-01-28T23:16:54Z")
> [@Daylate](#): > > Check with the Washington Department of Highways (or maybe it’s Department of Transportation nowadays). They’ve build several submersible bridges withing the past few decades. Not intentionally, but oh well… Sheesh. One section of one bridge sunk once ever. And it was because an inspector left open a panel, not due to any design flaws. Man we’re never gonna live that down. I’m still proud of our floating bridges. Especially considering our State’s history with suspension bridges… ---
**Author:** ![pancakes3](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/p/ba9def/32.png) [@pancakes3](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/pancakes3)\ **Post date:** [January 28, 2013, 11:31pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/could-we-build-a-bridge-across-the-pacific-ocean/648152/96 "2013-01-28T23:31:33Z")
I guess I underestimate mankind’s engineering capabilities moreso than the rest of you because to me, this just seems downright impossible. I’m amazed that we’re able to even lay cable, much less build a bridge. ---
**Author:** ![Satchmo](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/satchmo/32/4223_2.png) [@Satchmo](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Satchmo)\ **Post date:** [January 28, 2013, 11:48pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/could-we-build-a-bridge-across-the-pacific-ocean/648152/97 "2013-01-28T23:48:25Z")
> [@robert\_columbia](#): > > This is a vital difference. > > One question is if sufficient raw materials, engineering knowledge, and manpower exist that would allow humanity to complete the project assuming that a sufficiently high number of people, raw materials, equipment, land, and money that actually exist are diverted to such an activity and the proper permits can be obtained. Sure, it might require that new, heretofore never before built construction equipment like super tall cranes or floating concrete factories be built, but that’s ok as long as we can build the cranes and other stuff. If we have to recurse (e.g. build A, then use A to build B, then use B to build C, then use C to build a trans-Pacific bridge, it’s ok as long as the plan would actually work). > > The second question includes everything in the first question but also requires that sufficient resources (manpower, raw materials, land, equipment, money, etc.) _are actually available or can reasonably be made available_ in a reasonable timeframe and that the necessary permits can actually be obtained in a reasonable amount of time (say, several years assuming that governments want detailed engineering plans, simulations, and 10 round reviews by the top minds from around the globe and that the conditions can actually be met). > > And who do you expect would fund it? Should we give it over to private companies and let them pay for it and then charge tolls? Welcome to the Microsoft Trans-Pacific Bridge. Pay $5,000 toll please. 5,238.00 USD for the ferry from Bellingham Washington to Chenega Bay in Alaska and back with a car and two adults. So, getting to Asia for that would be a real bargain. > **[Ferry Travel.com - Book all major Alaska, BC & Washington Ferries plus...](https://www.ferrytravel.com/)** > > Ferry Travel.com - Book Alaska, BC & Washington Ferry Crossings plus most major European Ferries simply and securely online. Great special offers available and timetable and port information. ---
**Author:** ![eschereal](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/eschereal/32/18939_2.png) [@eschereal](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/eschereal)\ **Post date:** [February 2, 2013, 8:37am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/could-we-build-a-bridge-across-the-pacific-ocean/648152/98 "2013-02-02T08:37:48Z")
> [@Satchmo](#): > > 5,238.00 USD for the ferry from Bellingham Washington to Chenega Bay in Alaska and back with a car and two adults. So, getting to Asia for that would be a real bargain. > [http://www.ferrytravel.com/](http://www.ferrytravel.com/) Except, that is not a toll, it is a fare, which covers the fuel for the trip, and other stuff. The bridge toll is just for the privilege of driving your own car, under its own power, across the ocean. Obviously, there will also be plazas along the way, since no car has close to that kind of range on a tank, and a drive that long will take you several days, so you will need to (be required to) stop to eat and sleep as well. At plaza rates, of course. ---
**Author:** ![Boyo\_Jim](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/b/87869e/32.png) [@Boyo\_Jim](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Boyo_Jim)\ **Post date:** [February 2, 2013, 8:57am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/could-we-build-a-bridge-across-the-pacific-ocean/648152/99 "2013-02-02T08:57:53Z")
> [@For You](#): > > Except, that is not a toll, it is a fare, which covers the fuel for the trip, and other stuff. The bridge toll is just for the privilege of driving your own car, under its own power, across the ocean. Obviously, there will also be plazas along the way, since no car has close to that kind of range on a tank, and a drive that long will take you several days, so you will need to (be required to) stop to eat and sleep as well. At plaza rates, of course. Which of course means that it’s not just a bridge to build, but mid-ocean hotels, gas stations, etc. ---
**Author:** ![Siam\_Sam](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/s/d78d45/32.png) [@Siam\_Sam](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Siam_Sam)\ **Post date:** [February 2, 2013, 1:30pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/could-we-build-a-bridge-across-the-pacific-ocean/648152/100 "2013-02-02T13:30:21Z")
Could we make it one of those old pneumatic tubes? And put the car in one end and just shoot it off to Asia? [Previous page](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/could-we-build-a-bridge-across-the-pacific-ocean/648152.md?page=4) [Next page](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/could-we-build-a-bridge-across-the-pacific-ocean/648152.md?page=6)