Apparatus and method for maintaining the interior of a bridging element that interconnects evacuated tubes of a transportation system

A bridging module configured to provide vacuum connectivity between first and second tube segments of an evacuated tube transportation system, the first and second tube segments extending in a first direction that is parallel to a local surface of the earth, the bridging module comprising:

• a portal section comprising opposing first and second portals configured for sealed attachment respectively to the first and second tube segments;
• first and second gate elements configured respectively to cover and seal the first and second portals, the gate elements having tops at extremities thereof that are furthest from the earth's center;
• a storage section extending from the portal section in a second direction that is perpendicular to the first direction and parallel to the local surface of the earth, the gate elements being translatable in the second direction by a drive mechanism between a deployed configuration in which the gate elements are located in the portal section and form seals with the portals, and a stored configuration in which the gate elements are located in the storage section and do not overlap a passage formed between the portals;
• and
• an expanding mechanism extending between the gate elements and configured to press the gate elements apart when the gate elements are in the deployed configuration, thereby pressing the gate elements against the portals;
• the bridging module thereby providing unobstructed, evacuated connectivity between the first and second tube segments when the gate elements are in the stored configuration and the first and second tube segments are evacuated;
• and
• an interior of the bridging module between the first and second portals being isolated from the tube segments when the gate elements are in the deployed configuration, thereby enabling the first and second tube segments to remain evacuated while the interior of the bridging module is vented to atmosphere.