Tunnel idea sparks interest but no Elon Musk money

"I think the conversation it started about how undeserved this area is for transport infrastructure has been pretty remarkable," says a man who pitched his tunnel idea to one of the richest men in the world.

Aaron Gibson from Poole entered a free competition run by Elon Musk's infrastructure firm, The Boring Company.

Although his suggestion to build a pedestrian and cycle tunnel between Sandbanks and Studland did not secure investment, he said it sparked hundreds of comments on social media, with people discussing possible infrastructure changes in the south.

"Sometimes you've just got to put your hand up and have a punt," Gibson said.

The Boring Company's Tunnel Vision Challenge asked for ideas from around the globe for a tunnel project of up to one mile in length with a 12-foot inner diameter.

The company covers the cost of the construction, with the winners to be announced on 23 March.

"If we wait for investment to come to the south coast, we'll be waiting forever," Gibson said.

He said he thought the area had "a strong case" but he found out on Tuesday morning he had been unsuccessful.

Despite this he said he was amazed by the mixed and far-reaching reaction it had online.

He added: "One of the interesting things was seeing a Facebook group on the Isle of Wight, where councillors were saying oh this is 'progressive thinking'."

The Isle of Wight fixed link tunnel campaign group suggested a similar idea could be used for the floating bridge in Cowes.

Gibson, a digital media professional in his 40s, said: "I'd love to see good quality infrastructure of any kind come to the south coast, it does feel like our part of the country misses out on it but I think it's up to individuals to be able to put forward their ideas and say how can see new ideas come to our area."

An Isle of Wight Council spokesperson said it had considered a wide range of potential solutions to the current Cowes Floating Bridge, including the possibility of a tunnel.

It said: "This option was assessed as unaffordable and would present significant practical challenges. Constructing a tunnel at this location would be extremely difficult due to land ownership constraints on both sides of the Medina, as well as the complexity of engineering requirements in this part of the estuary.

"It is also important to note that a pedestrian and cycle only tunnel would not meet the needs of motorists who rely on the Floating Bridge as part of their daily journeys.

"More broadly, we recognise the ongoing public conversation about transport connectivity in the south. While individual views will vary, the council continues to explore opportunities to strengthen local infrastructure, improve resilience and support the travel needs of residents, businesses and visitors across the area."

A Bournemouth, Christchurch and Poole Council Spokesperson said: "The area is accessible for pedestrians, has Beryl bikeshare, a bus service and the chain ferry linking Sandbanks with Studland that caters for the pedestrians, cyclists, motorcycles, cars, vans and buses."

Dorset Council have been approached for a comment.