The Channel Tunnel also known as the Chunnel is one of the most significant constructions of the modern world. It is about 37km long and it is also the longest underwater tunnel in the world. 9 km (23. 5 miles) beneath the English Channel and a total length of 50. 45 kilometers (31. 35 miles). This tunnel through the English Channel that runs between Folkestone in England and Coquelles in France has been the nucleation of efficient transport between the two nations since early 1994.
Offers to build the bridge remained on the table for many years until France and the United Kingdom only in the 1980 s signed the agreement to go ahead with the construction. However, the construction work commenced only in 1988 with estimated cost of upto £9 billion (over £12billion today) and about 15000 workers that were involved in the construction exercise over a six year period. The construction involved complex boring tools to drill through the chalk marl layer underneath the sea, a geologic formation that offered a relatively stable ground for boring.
Project factsheet
- Constructor: TransManche Link (TML), an association of several construction companies based on UK and France including the following:
- UK: This industry comprises of some big companies such as Balfour Beatty, Wimpey Major Projects and Tarmac Construction.
- France: Bouygues S. A. B and Spie Batignolles contractor Company.
- Start Date: Construction begun on December 15,1987.
- Completion Date: Tunnel was done and opened for the public on June 5, 1994.
- Cost: The expenses incurred during the project construction were estimated to be around £9 billion which is about $12 billion.
- Location: A subterranean passage, it passes under the English Channel, extending from Folkestone, in the UK and Coquelles near Calais in France.
- Length: 37Km long
- Significance: It provides services to highspeed passenger trains, freight trains as well as vehicle shuttle services through the link between the UK and the mainland Europe cutting down time.
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Key features
Technically, the Channel Tunnel comprises three tunnels: two rail tunnels separated by a service tunnel also in the center. The rail tunnels each measuring 7 meters in diameter. 6 meters are used for high-speed Eurostar trains, freight, and the Eurotunnel Shuttle car-carrying train. The service tunnel and it has a diameter of 4. 8 meters is used for maintenance purpose and as escape route or stairs.
Another important aspect of the Channel Tunnel is that all modern safety systems have been installed here. It was equipped with many safety features such as smoke detector, fire suppression systems, and ventilation fans for fresh air. Furthermore, the service tunnel also serves as an emergency shelter space, and cross-exit passages between rail and service tunnels are available for use in case of evacuation. In the event of a fire or any other disaster, the cross passages can enable other passengers as well as vehicles to be evacuated easily. Environmentally, the Chunnel has contributed to the enhancement of environmental concerns by providing a more environmental friendly transport medium as compared to air transport between the UK and France.
Significance
The trains that operate in the tunnel particularly the Eurostar train use electricity instead of fossil fuel hence emitting significantly less than short-haul airplanes therefore the channel tunnel aids in enhancing environmental conservation across the English channel. Indeed, millions of passengers and tons of freight are transported through the Channel Tunnel every year to enhance the economic relations between the UK and mainland Europe. Now the Eurostar high-speed trains, the journey time between London and Paris or Brussels is less than 2 hours 15 minutes, thereby making the tunnel an active participant in the European commercial and tourism map. In conclusion, the Channel Tunnel is more than a marvel of engineering, it serves as a lifeline revolutionizing the cross Channel services and the advancement of the integrated Europe. Its innovation, safety, and sustainably keep it as a unique example of humanity’s ability to conquer the forces of nature.
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