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The Eurotunnel Is One of the Seven Wonders of the Modern World. With Over 50 Km in Length and a Construction Cost of Almost 120 Billion Reais
The Eurotunnel is one of the seven wonders of the modern world, according to the American Society of Civil Engineers. With over 50 km in length and a cost of approximately 14.5 billion dollars at the time of its completion in 1994 (around 9.5 billion pounds sterling), a value that would correspond today to approximately 31 billion dollars, this construction is one of the most remarkable and useful projects in modern engineering, representing a historical milestone in global infrastructure.
Created to simplify transportation and favor the economies of two of the world’s leading economic powers, England and France, the Eurotunnel celebrates in 2024 30 years since the start of operations. 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 19th century, but it was only in 1986 that the project gained significant momentum with the signing of the Anglo-French Treaty on the Channel Tunnel. This treaty established the foundations for the construction and operation of the Eurotunnel by private companies, culminating in the formation of the joint venture TransManche Link, made up of British and French construction companies.
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The Construction of the Eurotunnel: A Brief History
Inaugurated in 1994, the Eurotunnel connects the city of Folkestone in Kent County in England to the commune of Coquelles in the Pas-de-Calais department in France. This underwater tunnel crosses beneath the English Channel, a stretch of the Atlantic Ocean that separates southern England from northern France, being the only fixed link between the island of Great Britain and the European mainland.
With a length of 50.45 km, the Eurotunnel is the third longest operational rail tunnel in the world. The underwater section of the tunnel, at 37.9 km in length, is the largest in the world in this regard. The Anglo-French construction consists of two main rail tunnels with a diameter of 7.6 m, separated by a service tunnel, all connected by cross passages and relief ducts.
Benefits and Services Offered by the Eurotunnel
The Eurotunnel offers various services, including Eurostar, a high-speed train that connects London to Paris and Brussels; Le Shuttle, which transports vehicles through the tunnel; truck transportation by train, which allows drivers to travel separately; and Europorte, which is the conventional freight transport service. These services significantly contribute to the integration and economic development of the regions served by the 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. Additionally, the tunnel also faced challenges related to illegal immigration, being considered an attractive route for people seeking to enter the United Kingdom clandestinely.
The Eurotunnel is truly a masterpiece of global engineering, representing a successful union between England and France for mutual benefit. Over the years, the Eurotunnel has provided an efficient link between the United Kingdom and continental Europe, generating better accessibility and strengthening the local economy. As one of the greatest achievements of modern engineering, the Eurotunnel will continue to be an important part of Europe’s history and infrastructure.
Valeu a experiência de ir da Inglaterra para França no Eurotunel . Amei saber que estava em trem ” submarino”!