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The Eurotunnel is one of the seven wonders of the modern world. More than 50 km long and with a construction cost of almost 120 billion reais
The Eurotunnel is one of the seven wonders of the modern world, according to the American Engineering Society. With more than 50 km in length and a cost of almost 120 billion reais, this construction is one of the most notable projects and useful aspects of humanity's recent engineering.
Created to simplify transport and favor the economy of two of the world's main economic powers, England and France, the Eurotunnel celebrates 2024 years since the beginning of its activities in 30. In this article, you will learn more about this masterpiece and all the benefits it has provided to millions of Europeans.
The idea of creating a fixed link between Great Britain and France dates back to the early 1986th century, but it was only in XNUMX that the project gained significant momentum, with the signing of the Anglo-French Channel Tunnel Treaty. This treaty established the basis for the construction and operation of the Eurotunnel by private companies, culminating in the formation of the TransManche Link joint venture, made up of British and French construction companies.
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The construction of the Eurotunnel: A brief history
Opened in 1994, the Eurotunnel connects the city of Folkestone, in the county of Kent, England, to the commune of Coquelles, in the department of Pas-de-Calais, France. This underwater tunnel crosses beneath the English Channel, a stretch of the Atlantic Ocean that separates the south of England from the north of France, being the only fixed link between the island of Great Britain and the European continent.
At 50,45 km long, the Eurotunnel is the third longest active railway tunnel on the planet. The underwater section of the tunnel, 37,9 km long, is the largest in the world in this regard. The Anglo-French construction consists of two main railway tunnels measuring 7,6 m in diameter, separated by a service tunnel, all connected by cross passages and piston relief ducts.
Benefits and services offered by Eurotúnel
The Eurotunnel offers various services, including Eurostar, a fast train connecting London with Paris and Brussels; Le Shuttle, which transports vehicles through the tunnel; truck transport by train, which allows drivers to travel separately; and Europorte, which is the conventional cargo transport service. These services contribute significantly to the integration and economic development of the regions served by Eurotunnel.
Challenges and impacts of the Eurotunnel
During its construction, the Eurotunnel faced various technical challenges, including the geological variation of the region and the need to excavate through varying geological conditions. In addition, the tunnel has also faced challenges related to illegal immigration, and is considered an attractive route for people seeking to enter the UK illegally.
The Channel Tunnel is truly a masterpiece of global engineering, representing a successful union between England and France for mutual benefit. Over the years, the Channel Tunnel has provided an efficient link between the UK and France. Continental europe, generating better accessibility and strengthening the local economy. As one of the greatest achievements of modern engineering, the Channel Tunnel will continue to be an important part of Europe’s history and infrastructure.
