Rebuttal notes

Prediction: Tunnels are safer during earthquakes

Counter argument: While tunnels do tend to be more stable during natural disasters
such as earthquakes as they move along with the earth, there are already
implementations of bridges around the world that can match the stability of tunnels
amidst an earthquake. The main issue with bridges that need to be solved is their
vulnerability to lateral shake. The Akashi Kaikyo bridge in Japan, which is more than
double the length of the Massey Tunnel, utilizes multiple technologies to mitigate lateral
shake. First, base isolation is a common technique used by engineers to combat
earthquake movement; by using sliding bearings the horizontal movement between the
structure and the foundation can be independent of each other. Seismic dampers are
also commonly implemented and act similar to a suspension system in a car, reducing
vibrations. Newer technologies like computer controlled active damping systems are also
being experimented with. These technologies help mitigate a bulk of the damage a
disaster like an earthquake can but even if the bridge is damaged, it would be
exponentially cheaper to repair compared to a damaged tunnel.

Prediction: tunnels are safer during strong winds such as tornadoes or hurricanes
Counterargument: Such disasters are very uncommon in British Columbia. Even if we
were hit with a rare tornado, bridges are engineered with features that can reduce the
damage that strong winds can afflict. In every engineering project, materials are one of
the most crucial aspects; within bridge building, many use steel, which has high flexural
strength of around 370 to 530 megapascal, allowing for bridges to withstand fracture in
windy conditions by flexing. With modern materials, building techniques, and computer
simulations it is possible to make bridges much more aerodynamic; less wind being
caught on the bridge will reduce the load that wind puts on the bridge. Tunnels can also
be unsafe during these disasters due to the wind tunnel effect in which wind from a
tornado accelerates as it flows through. If we look at a moderately strong EF scale 3
tornado, which has a wind speed ranging from 220 km/h to 265 km/h, the wind tunnel
effect could cause these winds speeds to double to over 500 km/h. In the extreme case
of EF scale 5 tornados, the wind tunnel effect could cause the speed of wind to
theoretically reach over 600 km/h though this is a very extreme case.

Prediction: Bridges can be hit by boats:

Counterargument: An obvious concern with bridges is collision with a vessel like a boat
as seen in the recent accident that has occurred in Baltimore. While freak incidents like
these can happen, it is important to take note of the outdated design of the Baltimore
bridge and the rarity of such an incident. From images alone, we can observe that the
bridge is held up by many small and unprotected pillars making them susceptible to
collapse when hit by a boat. To fend for itself, bridges like the Golden Gate bridge have a
lower amount of large pillars that are protected at the base by a large concrete basin that
doubles as the foundation. In the event that a boat were to hit a bridge with this basin
implementation, there would most likely be very little damage to the bridge itself as the
 concrete would take the hit. Additionally, the event where a large boat collides with a
bridge is extremely rare as regulations are extremely strict.

Cost:
Putting a pipe in the ground destroys environment
3.3 billion for port mann bridge which is 2 km
4 billion for massey tunnel which is 600 meters
Maintenance cost is significantly higher for tunnels as when operations need to be done,
everything is under water
It is exposed to a very large environmental factor: water, due to rising sea levels the vertical
water pressure on the tunnel is increasing daily while vertical pressure does not affect bridge
structures
It costs a lot to keep high powered lights running 24/7 and ventilation running

Safer for pedestrians:

Tunnel entrance can be blocked off by snow
Bridges have guardrails
Pedestrians have specialized lanes that are separate from cars on bridges as seen on the port
mann bridge
In a emergency situation where there is no power, bridges are far superior as a tunnel would
have zero lighting and zero ventilation

Traffic noise
It doesn't matter if it's above the water or under, environment will still be destroyed due to fumes
Tunnels will just need to vent the air out
There is not need to thinking about noise as nobody lives on the river

Massey tunnel cost – 4 billion

Projected bridge price - 2 billion
Time to regain cost based on different maintenance costs - 83 years
Modern bridges with better engineering will require less maintenance