A Simple Solution to a Big Apple Headache: Put a Cork In It!
We’re all well aware of the havoc caused by Hurricane Sandy on the East Coast. A major problem in and around New York City was flooding of tunnels that are heavily used by Amtrak and commuter trains which transport literally millions of people in and out of the city every day.
It’s taken more than a week to pump all that sea water from the tunnels and I doubt it possible to measure the resulting inconvenience and loss of productivity.
But there now appears to be a much better solution to the problem: In anticipation of a severe storm surge, shut down the tunnels and seal the entrances with what amounts to a giant plug. A scale model is being tested (photo above) and, I’m told, full size versions will be ready for the next big storm. Isn’t it amazing how often the simple ideas are the best!