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The Eurotunnel - One of the Seven Wonders of the Modern World

By Nick Gent

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Published: 20Nov2009
Word count: 464
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Incredibly, the very first idea of creating a tunnel beneath the English Channel occurred over 250 years ago, and the first serious consideration and initial plans for the Channel Tunnel were made only 50 years after that (in 1802), in the time of Napoleon Bonaparte. The first surveys and explorations to determine viability were conducted 30 years later.

The first attempt to turn this idea into reality was finally made in the mid-1800's, only to be thwarted by political turmoil. In the 1970's economic troubles brought the second attempt to a standstill. The third attempt, started in 1988, was successful. Despite the financial, political and technical challenges, the Channel Tunnel was finally completed in 1994.

Though completely funded by private investors, the Channel Tunnel was considered a financial disaster by many, because the cost and debt associated with it ended up being much higher than originally anticipated. On the positive side, the completion of the Channel Tunnel provided competition with the other available modes of transportation, causing travel prices to lower and thus be more affordable for travelers.

Constructed of super strong, super thick concrete and steel, the Channel Tunnel is 50 km (or 31 miles) long, connecting Folkestone, England with Calais, France. The trip across takes 35 to 45 minutes to complete. The Channel Tunnel consists of two main railway tunnels, with a smaller tunnel in between used for service and emergency. These railway tunnels are utilized by Eurotunnel, Eurostar and cargo trains.

Eurotunnel, in addition to providing electric rail ferry services for vehicles, is actually the company responsible for the construction of the Channel Tunnel (or Chunnel, as it is popularly known). Passenger and commercial road vehicles of all types can be shuttled from the U.K. to France much more quickly than with oversea ferries. Service is provided 24 hours a day, with greater efficiency, greater speed and less hassle. Prices vary depending on how far ahead the trip is booked, the time of day and time of year, the type of vehicle and the intended length of stay.

Eurostar is a high speed electric passenger train service that operates in the U.K., France and Belgium. Eurostar contracts with Eurotunnel for the right run its commuter trains on Eurotunnel's railways. As with Eurotunnel service, a Eurostar tunnel crossing takes 35 to 45 minutes, with speeds up to 200 mph. Eurostar offers meals and different classes of service, and cost varies widely, depending on the class of service chosen, the time of year and how close a trip is booked to the actual time of travel. Eurostar also offers the convenience of non-stop service between many locations, including London and Paris.

Regardless of whether one chooses to travel with Eurotunnel or Eurostar from the U.K. to France, using the Channel Tunnel railways clearly offers the most benefits compared to other modes of transport.

If you are planning a trip to france in the near future via the Eurotunnel and need a good resource for comparing prices, visit ==> Eurotunnel Prices

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