Evaluating Potential Rail Connection Between Russia and the United States Along the Bering Strait
Open Access
Author:
Levy, Samantha Ilyse
Area of Honors:
Supply Chain and Information Systems
Degree:
Bachelor of Science
Document Type:
Thesis
Thesis Supervisors:
Evelyn Ann Thomchick, Thesis Supervisor Dr. John C. Spychalski, Thesis Honors Advisor
Keywords:
Rail connection Russia
Abstract:
The Bering Strait is a narrow waterway that separates the Asian and North American continents forming a major corridor between northern and southern transportation routes. The strait is distinctive, from a supply chain perspective, because it is international, bordered by the
United States on one side and Russia on the other. This thesis explores the possibility of closing the gap between the two countries through construction of an interhemispheric railroad connected by a tunnel under the Bering Strait. Although this global intercontinental railway project could be profitable for transportation purposes to and from Russia and the United States, it faces many difficulties. Not only would the construction period be lengthy and costly for all nations involved, the inability of past Russian and U.S. leaders to sign a joint treaty poses a problem as well. Finding investors who will be willing to pay up to $100 billion to lay 2,400 miles of rail through Siberia, plus 3,000 miles in the U.S. and Canada, in addition to digging a tunnel under the Bering Strait, is also a challenge. This thesis will discuss the current plans set forth by Russia and the United States regarding the feasibility of this project as well as foreseeable benefits and complexities related to its development.