Megaprojects - cases

Which of the following was a key reason for replacing Boston’s elevated Central Artery with the Big Dig underground expressway?

• To build the tallest bridge in the U.S.

• To increase toll collection

• To reduce urban congestion and reconnect neighborhoods

• To relocate Boston’s airport

What made the Channel Tunnel project finally feasible after centuries of failed proposals?

• Use of underwater drones

• Financial support from the United Nations

• Stable chalk marl and tunnel boring machines

• Discovery of a new sea route

Why has the California High-Speed Rail faced delays and rising costs?

• Lack of passenger interest

• Engineering complexity and funding gaps

• Legal disputes with airline companies

• Changing federal regulations

What was one of the key motivations behind building Sejong City in South Korea?

• To boost tourism

• To create a new capital closer to the coast

• To decentralize power away from Seoul

• To establish a tech innovation hub

What was a major criticism of the Hambantota port project in Sri Lanka?

• Too close to Colombo port

• Not enough local workers

• Poor soil conditions for construction

• Lack of Chinese involvement

What is one of the most ambitious features of Saudi Arabia’s NEOM “The Line” project?

• It is built entirely on floating platforms.

• It is a vertical city with no cars or roads.

• It is designed to be entirely underwater.

• It connects all Gulf countries via hyperloop.

Why did the Khazar Islands project in Azerbaijan ultimately fail?

• The artificial islands sank due to poor engineering.

• Global oil prices crashed, halting funding.

• The project faced a tsunami.

• Dubai’s Palm Islands sued for copyright infringement.

What catastrophic risk does the Three Gorges Dam pose if it were to fail?

• Loss of oil fields in the Yangtze region

• Economic collapse limited to Wuhan

• Massive downstream flooding affecting millions

• Global drought due to water redirection

What complicates the usage of the Hong Kong–Zhuhai–Macau Bridge for daily drivers?

• It only allows bicycle traffic

• Frequent sandstorms in the region

• Complex legal, insurance, and driving permit requirements

• Lack of scenic views

What distinguishes the BRI’s southern route through Iran and Turkey from earlier China-Europe connections?

• It uses entirely underwater rail.

• It connects only air cargo hubs.

• It reduces dependence on northern corridors.

• It was built entirely with American funding.