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5 entirely sensible alternatives to Boris Johnson’s bridge connecting Britain and France

The man is bridge obsessed.

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Boris Johnson’s suggestion of a cross-Channel bridge to link the UK and France has been met with mixed reviews, but that doesn’t mean he can’t look elsewhere for ways to connect two of the world’s largest economies.

The Channel Tunnel itself is 31.4 miles in length, meaning any potential build is going to be pretty noticeable.

With that in mind, here are five suggestions for Johnson to take into consideration if he’s really intent on finding a better way to connect the countries.

1. Cable car

Mayor Boris Johnson (left) and Arnold Schwarzenegger take a ride on the Emirates cable car from Greenwich to the ExCeL in Docklands, after watching the Olympic basketball in Greenwich
(Sean Dempsey/PA)

At least a cable car over the Channel would provide a more useful A to B. A couple of potential snags include the lack of speed, the buffeting winds over the sea and the complete lack of any sights other than the white cliffs of Dover on one end, and Calais on the other.

It’s hardly the coastal view that the French Riviera offers, but it’s something.

2. Garden Bridge

English cottage garden with wild flowers
(david010167/Getty Images)

Plans for the Garden Bridge in London were supported by the former London mayor, but they were effectively ended by his Labour successor, Sadiq Khan, in April when he refused to provide guarantees for the costly crossing.

More than £37 million of public money had been spent on the project by the time plans were scrapped. Johnson was not best pleased, but perhaps a more gargantuan structure spanning the Channel covered in potted plants and swinging vines might satisfy him.

3. Zip wire

Former London Mayor Boris Johnson as he is left hanging in mid-air after he got stuck on a zipwire at an Olympic event at Victoria Park in London
(Ben Kendall/PA)

Of course, a zip wire crossing the Channel would have to ensure its passengers a safe and reliable crossing, as opposed to what happened to Johnson as he dangled helplessly in the harness several metres above the ground in Victoria Park in 2012.

That zip ride was designed to celebrate the 2012 Olympic Games in London. Perhaps a Channel crossing zip wire could be used to commemorate the passing of the Bayeaux Tapestry from one country to the other.

4. Hyperloop

Hyperloop is a mode of transportation that could revolutionise quick long-distance travel, where the vehicle is transported by electric propulsion through a low-pressure tube. The vehicle itself actually floats above the track with the help of magnetic levitation, and ultra-low aerodynamic drag allows for high speeds.

Hyperloop One say it could be “built on columns or tunnelled below ground”. Move over Channel Tunnel, the future has arrived.

5. Stepping stones

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Just watch out for that wonky, slippy stone right there in the middle, and cross your fingers there’s no-one else coming the other way.

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