Eurotunnel
The Eurotunnel, officially known as the Channel Tunnel, is a 50.45-kilometre (31.35 mi) rail tunnel beneath the English Channel linking Folkestone, Kent, in the United Kingdom with Coquelles, near Calais in France. Here are some key details:
History
- The idea of a tunnel under the Channel dates back to the early 19th century, but serious planning and construction only began in the late 20th century.
- The project was approved in 1986, with construction beginning in 1988.
- The tunnel was completed in 1994 and officially opened by Queen Elizabeth II and President François Mitterrand.
Construction
- The tunnel was built by a consortium of British and French companies named TransManche Link (TML).
- It consists of three tunnels: two for rail traffic (one in each direction) and a service tunnel in the middle for maintenance and emergencies.
- The construction involved some of the most advanced tunneling techniques at the time, including the use of tunnel boring machines.
Operation
- The Eurotunnel is operated by Getlink (formerly known as Groupe Eurotunnel).
- It provides both passenger and freight transport services through the LeShuttle service for vehicles and the Eurostar for high-speed passenger trains.
- The tunnel has facilitated travel between the UK and mainland Europe, reducing the need for ferry services or flights.
Economic and Social Impact
- The tunnel has significantly reduced travel time, with a journey from London to Paris taking about 2 hours and 15 minutes by Eurostar.
- It has also boosted trade by providing a faster and more reliable route for freight transport.
- The project's cost was initially estimated at £4.65 billion but escalated to £9 billion, making it one of the most expensive construction projects ever undertaken.
Challenges and Incidents
- The tunnel has faced various challenges, including fires, power outages, and security concerns.
- One of the most significant incidents was a fire on a freight train in 2008, which caused extensive damage and led to safety upgrades.
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