For years, roads have plagued Earth’s surface, causing environmental problems and damaging landscapes. Therefore, it would make sense to move all roads underground in a similar fashion to subways and bullet trains. But one must consider that there are also dangerous consequences to such an action, raising the question: should all roads go underground?
At first glance, the pros seem to vastly outweigh the cons. “One of the most immediate impacts of a world without surface roads would be a huge freeing up of space across the globe,” states Laura Paddison, a writer for BBC’s Future Planet. Along with creating land for farming and replanting trees, moving roads underground could be a huge step forward in solving land fragmentation. By taking away roads that act as barriers for animals, there could be an increase in certain species such as the sloth bear and the tiger.
Furthermore, there would be less negative human impact on the environment and wildlife. Collisions between animals and vehicles have also been a recurring issue in many parts of the world, especially densely populated places. Lack of roads in the animals’ habitats would lead to no above-ground collisions and less light and noise pollution.
However, a flood of problems comes with such a decision. Rebuilding costs would be quite high and would also require large amounts of concrete, which is carbon-intensive and not healthy for the environment. The concentration of cars in tunnels could also pose significant dangers; in cases of flooding or fires, the evacuation process would be tricky and require a huge amount of space for everyone to reach safety.
Not only do tunnels seem inefficient at times, but people who are working on an eco-friendly approach to above-ground roads say that there is actually no need to create a new underground system. Moving roads below the surface does not immediately solve pollution and other issues caused by carbon-intensive substances. In fact, it concentrates them underground, which can cause natural disasters such as fires. A better solution, researchers have stated, may be to build bridges and other similar structures; this would reduce collisions and such accidents without costing as much as a new road system.
Underground roads are fascinating prospects that bring as many issues as they do solutions. But the core idea stands out: they are one step closer to a healthy environment.
At first glance, the pros seem to vastly outweigh the cons. “One of the most immediate impacts of a world without surface roads would be a huge freeing up of space across the globe,” states Laura Paddison, a writer for BBC’s Future Planet. Along with creating land for farming and replanting trees, moving roads underground could be a huge step forward in solving land fragmentation. By taking away roads that act as barriers for animals, there could be an increase in certain species such as the sloth bear and the tiger.
Furthermore, there would be less negative human impact on the environment and wildlife. Collisions between animals and vehicles have also been a recurring issue in many parts of the world, especially densely populated places. Lack of roads in the animals’ habitats would lead to no above-ground collisions and less light and noise pollution.
However, a flood of problems comes with such a decision. Rebuilding costs would be quite high and would also require large amounts of concrete, which is carbon-intensive and not healthy for the environment. The concentration of cars in tunnels could also pose significant dangers; in cases of flooding or fires, the evacuation process would be tricky and require a huge amount of space for everyone to reach safety.
Not only do tunnels seem inefficient at times, but people who are working on an eco-friendly approach to above-ground roads say that there is actually no need to create a new underground system. Moving roads below the surface does not immediately solve pollution and other issues caused by carbon-intensive substances. In fact, it concentrates them underground, which can cause natural disasters such as fires. A better solution, researchers have stated, may be to build bridges and other similar structures; this would reduce collisions and such accidents without costing as much as a new road system.
Underground roads are fascinating prospects that bring as many issues as they do solutions. But the core idea stands out: they are one step closer to a healthy environment.
