Over the last few decades, the project to link the two shores of the Strait of Gibraltar has been approached from different angles.
The Strait of Gibraltar is the natural waterway that connects the Atlantic Ocean to the Mediterranean Sea, and separates Spain from Morocco.
Connecting the Strait of Gibraltar would be considered beneficial primarily because it would create a land bridge between Europe and Africa, facilitating easier travel and trade between the continents.
There is still a Spanish government agency exploring the possibility of an underwater tunnel (SECEGESA). However, another option being considered for the same purpose is a long bridge, like others that exist in various parts of the world.
So why is there no bridge across the Strait of Gibraltar?
Many have questioned why there is not a bridge given Africa and Europe are just 17 miles apart at their nearest points but it presents a unique set of challenges that would make it a highly complex and expensive undertaking.
The Geo Globes Tales profile on Instagram offers the answer in a viral video. The post has received more than 330,000 likes in one month.
This didactic video explains that the great depth of the Strait and the strong currents that occur in it make the works extremely difficult, in addition to the seismic activity in the area.
The work needed to solve these problems would make the cost of the construction unaffordable.
The climatic conditions are also believed to be another issue as strong winds and adverse weather conditions, common in the area, would complicate the construction and maintenance of such a large structure.
Some people have also raised concerns over how the construction could impact relations between Spain and Morocco on political, economic and social issues.
This is because the construction of a bridge could generate tensions or conflicts over sovereignty and control of access. The Strait of Gibraltar is a critical route for migration from Africa to Europe.
A bridge could facilitate the crossing of people, which could be seen as a problem by some European governments.
