The construction that is one of the 7 wonders of the modern world: a 120 billion reais tunnel that connects two countries through 50 km of sea at 75 meters of depth

The Eurotunnel is one of the seven wonders of the modern world. With more than 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 Engineers. With more than 50 km in length and a cost of almost 120 billion reais, this construction is one of the most notable and useful projects of recent engineering in humanity.

Created to simplify transportation and favor the economy of two of the world’s main economic powers, England and France, the Eurotunnel celebrates 30 years since the beginning of its activities in 2024. 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 laid the foundations for the construction and operation of the Channel Tunnel by private companies, culminating in the formation of the TransManche Link joint venture, made up of British and French construction companies.

The construction of the Channel Tunnel: A brief history

Opened in 1994, the Channel Tunnel connects the town of Folkestone, in the county of Kent, England, to the commune of Coquelles, in the department of Pas-de-Calais, France. This undersea tunnel crosses beneath the English Channel, a stretch of the Atlantic Ocean that separates the south of England from the north of France, and is the only fixed link between the island of Great Britain and the European continent.

At 50.45 km long, the Channel Tunnel is the third longest active rail tunnel on the planet. The underwater section of the tunnel, at 37.9 km long, is the largest in the world of its kind. The Anglo-French construction consists of two main railway tunnels with a diameter of 7.6 m, separated by a service tunnel, all connected by cross passages and piston relief ducts.

Benefits and services offered by the Channel Tunnel

The Channel Tunnel offers a number of services, including the Eurostar, a fast train connecting London to Paris and Brussels; Le Shuttle, which transports vehicles through the tunnel; the truck-by-train service, which allows drivers to travel separately; and the Europorte, a conventional freight service. These services contribute significantly to the integration and economic development of the regions served by the Channel Tunnel.

Challenges and impacts of the Channel Tunnel

During its construction, the Channel Tunnel faced a number of technical challenges, including the geological variation of the region and the need to excavate through varying geological conditions. Furthermore, 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 continental Europe, providing improved 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.