History of Eurostar and Channel Tunnel The modern Eurostar service is mainly due to the long running channel tunnel project which was finally completed in 1994. The channel tunnel is a joint project between the French and UK Government which connects the United Kingdom and France. The channel tunnel is 50km ( 31 miles ) long of which 24 miles are actually undersea ! Travelling through the tunnel can only take 20 minutes in a shuttle express but Eurostar trains do take slightly longer. The construction of the channel tunnel was certianly both remarkable and controversial with over 15,000 workers taking over 7 years to dig the tunnel and the tunnel was constructed from both the UK and French end. Estimated completion costs of the Channel tunnel were a staggering £10 Billion of which 80% is over budget costs ! The channel tunnel is operated by Eurotunnel who offer freight and shuttle services as well as the high speed Eurostar service. Despite the financial problems the Channel tunnel has been regarded as one of the modern seven wonders of the world with amazing construction and technological expertise that made the Eurostar service possible. |
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