How did they build the Channel Tunnel underwater?

France and England used 11 massive TBMs to create — in just three short years — the three tubes that make up the 32-mile Channel Tunnel. Also called the Euro Tunnel or Chunnel, these tunnels now connect the two countries under the English Channel.

How does the Eurostar go underwater?

There’s a sea in the way, of course, but Eurostar dives under it, using the 31-mile Channel Tunnel. Work on the tunnel began in 1988, and it was finally opened for business in 1994, costing £4.6 billion.

How long did it take to build the Eurostar?

six years
It took just under six years and 13,000 workers to build the Channel Tunnel. The total cost came at an eye-watering £4.65 billion which would be the equivalent of £12 billion in today’s money.

How long did it take to build the Eurotunnel?

Taking more than five years to complete, with more than 13,000 workers from England and France collaborating to realise the vision, the tunnel has been named one of the seven wonders of the modern world.

How did they build the Channel tunnel without water getting in?

The digging was done by huge tunnel boring machines, known as TBMs, which cut through the chalk, collected the debris, and transported the debris behind it using conveyor belts.

How are underwater tunnels built without flooding?

Most Underwater Tunnels Are Dug Into the Earth However, most underwater tunnels are dug into the firm soil and rock bed below bodies of water. Placing underwater tunnels deep in the earth or burying them many feet beneath oceans or rivers protects the passageways from flooding and collapse.

How fast does the Eurostar go through the tunnel?

100 mph
Throughout the Channel Tunnel, Eurostar trains travel at a speed of 160 Kilometres per hour (100 mph). Our regular journey times are: London to Paris – 2 hours 12 minutes.

How deep is the tunnel under the English Channel?

75 meters
At its deepest, the tunnel is 75 meters (246 feet) below the sea level.