Well, I would think not. This would clash with the verisimilitude of the OGF world.
There are multiple elements to think about:
Functionality. Not enough people have a need to drive across a continent the size of Canada. Take planes instead. Countries that drive in a different direction would also present a problem.
Political problems. Some countries may not want a big road to connect them to possibly hostile neighbours. Plus, who pays for it? If a country wants to be included on this route and is then bypassed, there would be conflicts.
Cost. Who pays for the road? Who maintains the road? Given that the probability of large tunnels and bridges need to be constructed in the process on top of the actual road construction, it would be economically unsustainable. Plus, this road would have to pass through countries of varying financial status which may prove problematic.
OGF users. Who gets to decide the route of the road? What about unclaimed territories?
I’m sure there are many more arguments against the road, but that’s all for now.
That’s if I mean if you build one from scratch. It would be more plausible if there were a series of interconnected but previously existing motorways running across the continent, sort of like the E-road system in Europe. However, by the looks of Tarephia’s general condition, I still think it would be unlikely, as the formation of such a road network still somewhat has to rely on my previously listed points.
I agree in principle with YuanIs on this… especially the second comment. “Trans-continental” highways that cross multiple countries are typically just special designations of existing highways. I think the best example is the “Pan-American Highway,” which, nominally at least, runs from Alaska to Tierra del Fuego. But in fact there is almost no stretch of the highway that was built specifically as “Pan-American Highway.” Instead, it’s just a collection of national highways in various countries, with an additional designation and that touch each other at borders. The one stretch of the highway that is missing, in the Darién region of Panamá, has existed as a “proposal” for more than half a century, but since Panamá doesn’t need it, and no one else is willing to pay for it, it never gets built.
I was just thinking about the section in Panama when the question was posed. Such a road would be akin to a untopian society throughout the continent. The world just doesn’t operate that way. When I map I think about several factors with money at the top of the list.
Luciano’s comment about the Darien Gap is right on point; a trans-Tarephian highway is a great symbol and aspiration, but in reality it is overly-complicated, crosses much “blank” space, and no one actually needs it.
I think the idea is a good one from a political standpoint (One day we shall unite… blah blah blah) but I would not expect it to ever be finished.
well i was just thinking of makeing a highway in the eastern area but other then me it does not seem many people are active over here so i dont think it makes sence any more
@Mikelatham
But the thing is that’s only 1 country, which reduces the length, structural and political complexity and cost of the road system. I believe you come from the USA, one of the most economically successful countries on the planet. This means they can afford to build something that long, a project that may not be economically viable for a single continent of many countries, as Tarephia is. My initial points still apply. But building highways inside your country is fine, as long as you keep to the verisimilitude policy.
The E-Roads in Europe are just designations for existing highways which in some places include ferries and single-lane at-grade roads. There is no shiny motorway running uninterrupted from Portugal to Estonia.
@compdude If there was going to be a highway across the contident, it would start in San Alvarez head into TA095 on a existing highway, into Alderon, TA98, TA99, Melcar, TA4, TA10A and TA 10 but that would not make sence becouse its a very empty area
The main point I’m not seeing in the discussion so far is that we don’t generally allow roads to be built in unclaimed countries. The roads you see there are almost always leftovers from a previous owner.
Within your country, you can name a highway the “Trans-Tarephia Highway” — like San Antonio’s “Pan-American Expressway” for example — but such a name would represent more of a faraway dream than an actual completed project.
OpenGeofiction
Discussion
Comment from Yuanls on 2 June 2016 at 23:54
Well, I would think not. This would clash with the verisimilitude of the OGF world.
There are multiple elements to think about:
I’m sure there are many more arguments against the road, but that’s all for now.
Comment from Yuanls on 3 June 2016 at 00:12
That’s if I mean if you build one from scratch. It would be more plausible if there were a series of interconnected but previously existing motorways running across the continent, sort of like the E-road system in Europe. However, by the looks of Tarephia’s general condition, I still think it would be unlikely, as the formation of such a road network still somewhat has to rely on my previously listed points.
Comment from Luciano on 3 June 2016 at 00:44
I agree in principle with YuanIs on this… especially the second comment. “Trans-continental” highways that cross multiple countries are typically just special designations of existing highways. I think the best example is the “Pan-American Highway,” which, nominally at least, runs from Alaska to Tierra del Fuego. But in fact there is almost no stretch of the highway that was built specifically as “Pan-American Highway.” Instead, it’s just a collection of national highways in various countries, with an additional designation and that touch each other at borders. The one stretch of the highway that is missing, in the Darién region of Panamá, has existed as a “proposal” for more than half a century, but since Panamá doesn’t need it, and no one else is willing to pay for it, it never gets built.
Comment from No Way on 3 June 2016 at 13:02
I was just thinking about the section in Panama when the question was posed. Such a road would be akin to a untopian society throughout the continent. The world just doesn’t operate that way. When I map I think about several factors with money at the top of the list.
Comment from refried sushi on 3 June 2016 at 13:27
Luciano’s comment about the Darien Gap is right on point; a trans-Tarephian highway is a great symbol and aspiration, but in reality it is overly-complicated, crosses much “blank” space, and no one actually needs it.
I think the idea is a good one from a political standpoint (One day we shall unite… blah blah blah) but I would not expect it to ever be finished.
Comment from Mikelatham on 3 June 2016 at 20:39
well i was just thinking of makeing a highway in the eastern area but other then me it does not seem many people are active over here so i dont think it makes sence any more
Comment from Mikelatham on 3 June 2016 at 20:41
theres a highway that goes from the coast to the jungle in my contry
Comment from Yuanls on 3 June 2016 at 21:14
@Mikelatham But the thing is that’s only 1 country, which reduces the length, structural and political complexity and cost of the road system. I believe you come from the USA, one of the most economically successful countries on the planet. This means they can afford to build something that long, a project that may not be economically viable for a single continent of many countries, as Tarephia is. My initial points still apply. But building highways inside your country is fine, as long as you keep to the verisimilitude policy.
Comment from compdude on 3 June 2016 at 23:18
If you were to build a highway across a continent like that, which countries would it go thru? Which ones would it avoid?
Like others have said, there have never been efforts IRL to create highways across continents.
Comment from Sarepava on 4 June 2016 at 10:48
The E-Roads in Europe are just designations for existing highways which in some places include ferries and single-lane at-grade roads. There is no shiny motorway running uninterrupted from Portugal to Estonia.
Comment from Mikelatham on 4 June 2016 at 13:16
@Yurnls yes i do come from the us witch is why i have so many highways.
Comment from Mikelatham on 4 June 2016 at 13:18
@compdude If there was going to be a highway across the contident, it would start in San Alvarez head into TA095 on a existing highway, into Alderon, TA98, TA99, Melcar, TA4, TA10A and TA 10 but that would not make sence becouse its a very empty area
Comment from isleño on 4 June 2016 at 17:08
The main point I’m not seeing in the discussion so far is that we don’t generally allow roads to be built in unclaimed countries. The roads you see there are almost always leftovers from a previous owner.
Within your country, you can name a highway the “Trans-Tarephia Highway” — like San Antonio’s “Pan-American Expressway” for example — but such a name would represent more of a faraway dream than an actual completed project.