Slow progress for a fast train. Musk and the Internet mock CA rail authority’s “$36.96 billion per mile” overpass to nowhere
Image by 10 10 on Flickr
In fairness, it only took nine years to complete one of the bullet train’s first structures, which appears to be floating in space. Even a cryptocurrency creator marvels at the impracticality. Critics wonder if the SF-LA line will come barreling through Santa Clara County by 2400, and perhaps being outpaced by a Maglev on the Moon. Daily Mail’s Isabelle Stanley summarizes the online reaction.
The California High Speed Rail Authority shared an update on the Fresno River Viaduct in Madera County last week, proudly saying it was one of the 'first completed high-speed rail structures'.
The tweet did not get the reaction officials were hoping for with Elon Musk and Dogecoin creator Billy Markus piling in to mock the project.
The Viaduct has taken nine years to build and has cost taxpayers $11 billion as part of the state's long-delayed, bullet-train plan attempting to link San Francisco to Los Angeles.
Commenting on photos showing the bridge stopping at only 1,600ft long with either end floating unconnected in the air, Markus tweeted: 'This is the most remarkable human achievement ever.'
Sharing the rail authority's tweet he added: '1600 feet of high speed rail after 9 years and 11 billion dollars it takes about 5 minutes to walk 1600 feet so a high speed rail for that is a really big deal.'
He added: 'Wow so impressive, can’t wait until year 2400 for this to finish for 700 quadrillion dollars.'
Venture Capitalist Patrick Blumenthal chimed in in response, saying: '0.3 miles completed. After 15 years. After $11.2 BILLION. $36.96 billion per mile.'
Others suggested that the project will take so long to complete that 'high speed rail will be completed on the moon before then.'
Read the whole thing here.
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