Such speeds would cut the journey time from London to New York City to a mere 54 minutes. Jet propulsion has also been proposed as a method to accelerate the carriages at these incredible speeds, though it would require an 18-minute deceleration phase after reaching top speed to ensure a safe arrival.

Despite the astronomical costs and logistical hurdles of this concept, no serious plans are currently on the table by governments on either side of the Atlantic. While a transatlantic tunnel may seem far-fetched for now, progress is being made on a tunnel connecting Europe and Africa.

Earlier this year, reports indicated that a new underwater tunnel might be completed linking Spain and Morocco by the end of this decade.

The Moroccan National Company for Strait Studies (SNED) has announced that they are assessing the feasibility of a new project, both financially and logistically. The proposed tunnel would span 17 miles underwater, reaching depths of up to 475 meters, connecting Punta Paloma, located west of Tarifa, with Malabata, situated just east of Tangier in northern Morocco.

This plan contrasts with the 23-mile underwater section of the Channel Tunnel, which reaches a depth of only 75 meters. While the exact cost of constructing the two tunnels connecting Europe and Africa is still unknown, some estimates suggest it could total around £6 billion, factoring in the construction of a third maintenance tunnel.

The idea of a tunnel across the Strait of Gibraltar has been around for 40 years, and it’s considered a key strategic project for Spain, Morocco, Europe, and Africa.