Current innovations in tunnel construction methods have become an important aspect of the tunneling industry to explore in recent times. With the American Society of Civil Engineers giving the United States a D+, it’s no secret that the United States is in urgent need of an extreme Infrastructure facelift, not to mention the $3.6 trillion price tag associated with it.  Although raising taxes or using outdated machines is one solution for tackling the cost, perhaps there are other innovative and cost-effective avenues that should be considered in order to improve our infrastructure, which is why the New Jersey Institute of Technology’s Masters in Civil Engineering program release an infographic which explains the benefits that come with innovative tunneling methods making a difference in the United States today. The graphic outlines a study completed in Boston, in which special excavating equipment called “clamshell excavators” were used to dig narrow, non-intrusive trenches which created fewer traffic congestions and roadblocks, and also did not emit dangerous levels of carbon monoxide while in use. In fact, the project completed by the Massachusetts Turnpike Authority in 2007 had been such a success, it created more than 300 acres of new parks and open space. By then end of the project, Boston’s carbon monoxide levels dropped by an astounding 12% citywide, all while costing significantly less to the city, and leaving behind lower levels of carbon footprint compared to conventional methods. Compared to Seattle’s bertha tunnelling machine and other out-dated machines being used throughout the U.S., this innovative eco-friendly technology should be made known to people in order to move to the direction of sustainable living, especially with the big focus on Infrastructure and jobs in the current presidential election. To see the graphic please click on this LINK. 37/16