History
When did construction of the Channel Tunnel officially begin?
Construction started in 1988
Passengers can observe underwater life while traveling through the Channel Tunnel?
False
When you are in the underwater section of the ride you will only see the inside of the Channel Tunnel.
Approximately how long is the Channel Tunnel?
Around 50.5 kilometres
What nickname did workers give themselves during the construction?
"Tunnelers" or sometimes "the mole men".
How long does it take a Eurostar train to travel from London to Paris through the tunnel?
About 2 hours 15 minutes.
Beneath what waterbody does the Channel Tunnel run?
The British Channel (La Manche) or Strait of Dover (Strait of Calais)
If it´s needed the underground can overspeed the maximum speed 160 km/h.
False.
There is a train protection system that stops the train if the speed exceeds that indicated on the in-cab display.
How much of the Channel Tunnel runs under the sea?
About 37.9 km, making it the world’s longest undersea tunnel section.
What is the nickname of the Channel Tunnel?
The Chunnel
How much did the Channel Tunnel cost to build?
Around £9 billion (about $12 billion at the time).
In which year was the Channel Tunnel officially opened?
It was opened on 6 May 1994
All three tunnels run in a perfectly straight line between the UK and France?
False
The tunnels don't run straight - they curve gently up and down or left and right.
Which two cities does the Channel Tunnel link most directly?
Folkestone (UK) and Calais (France).
Who officially opened the Channel Tunnel in 1994?
Queen Elizabeth II and French President François Mitterrand.
On average, how much were tunnel workers paid compared to normal construction wages?
Many workers were paid higher-than-average wages, sometimes double normal pay, to attract them to the difficult job.
How long did it take to build the Channel Tunnel?
Under six years
When driving a Eurostar, you'll be underwater for 30 minutes.
False.
When riding the Eurostar you'll be underwater for about 13 minutes.
How many workers were involved in building the tunnel?
Around 13,000 workers in total.
Can you walk through the Channel Tunnel if you don’t have a car?
It is not allowed to travel as a foot passenger.
How long were the working days of the tunnel builders?
Long shifts, often 10–12 hours a day underground.
Which two countries are connected by the Channel Tunnel?
The United Kingdom and France.
The Channel Tunnel tunnel leaks water.
Yes, true.
It does leak, all tunnels leak. There are dumps along its length which collect the water, which is pumped out.
What were the major health and safety concerns for workers?
Risks of:
1. Rock falls
2. Flooding
3. Working in hot, cramped conditions.
What happened in 1996 that forced part of the tunnel to close temporarily?
A fire broke out in a freight train.
What was the record number of passengers in the London Olympic year (2012) since the opening of the tunnel?
300 million