Transcription
The United Kingdom and France are separated by the English Channel, whose narrowest point is 33 km wide, known as the Strait of Dover. The strait has been used for hundreds of years as the ideal point to cross between the two countries. However, until then, crossing was only possible by [Music] boats.
Then, only in the 1980s, the construction of an incredible tunnel began, which connected the two countries 75 meters below sea level. However, as complex as this construction may seem, this idea is older than we imagine. In the early 19th century, the first proposals for a tunnel under the English Channel emerged, but they were considered unfeasible for the time and were also rejected for some political and military reasons.
The history of the Channel Tunnel is fascinating, but it was marked by technical, financial, and political challenges. Time passed, and the need to build this mega-project became increasingly greater. Something needed to be done to facilitate the transport of passengers and goods between the United Kingdom and the European continent, to promote integration and trade in the [Music] region.
Over the years, several attempts were made to start the Channel Tunnel project, but it only gained real momentum in the 1980s. On February 12, 1986, France and the United Kingdom signed the Treaty of Canterbury, committing to building the tunnel. The treaty addressed various legal, technical, and security issues necessary for the construction and operation of the tunnel. It established the structure for project management, including the creation of a company to build and operate the tunnel. It also included provisions on issues such as security, immigration, and customs, given that the tunnel would create a new transit route between the United Kingdom and continental Europe.
Although the two countries were rivals for much of history, the day came when everything was resolved, and one of the most complex and expensive works in the world could [Music] be realized. With all the bureaucratic part resolved in 1988, the construction of the long-dreamed-of Channel Tunnel finally began. The construction faced numerous challenges, including geological problems, the need for advanced construction techniques, and safety issues.
Before starting to build the tunnel under the English Channel, a very detailed geological study was necessary. This was important because the tunnel was going to pass under the sea, and any leakage could cause a huge disaster. The team of geologists, led by specialists, had to find the right type of soil to excavate the tunnel. They performed 12 test drillings in the sea, similar to those done to search for oil, using technology that sent sound waves to measure the soil. With this, they found a type of rock that was almost impermeable and very stable, perfect for the tunnel.
Finally, in 1987, the two teams, one from the United Kingdom and another from France, began to excavate the tunnel on their own sides, with the intention of meeting in the middle. With a total of 4,000 workers, there was even a friendly competition to see who reached their goal first. The excavation teams from the two countries had the mission of excavating around 17 km from each side. For excavation, these enormous machines called TBMs (Tunnel Boring Machines) were used, which could advance up to 75 meters per day and automatically install concrete plates. Thanks to these giant machines, the construction of this complex tunnel was possible.
Excavating a tunnel under the sea was obviously not easy, and significant challenges arose during excavation. Several problems occurred, such as a leak on the British side that almost caused a disaster, but they managed to repair it using steel plates. The French team also had its challenges with infiltrations, but they also managed to handle the problem and continue with the excavation. In the end, despite the problems and delays, both teams managed to meet under the sea on December 1, 1990, with only a 35 cm difference between the two sides.
After finishing the excavation, it took another 4 years to install everything necessary for the trains to pass, such as the tracks, electricity, and safety systems. The tunnel has a total length of 50.4 km, with 37.9 km under the sea, reaching its lowest point at a depth of 75 meters, making it one of the longest and most complex underwater tunnels in the world. In total, the project consists of three parallel tunnels: two for rail traffic and one service tunnel.
The complete construction of the Channel Tunnel took more than 7 years to complete and was inaugurated on May 6, 1994, by Queen Elizabeth II of the United Kingdom and President François Mitterrand of France. Since its inauguration, it has been possible to travel from England to France in just 35 minutes, thanks to the impressive speed of up to 160 km/h of the trains that run through the Channel Tunnel. The total costs of the tunnel were 80% higher than expected, amounting to 4.65 billion pounds at that time.
Each year, more than 7 million passengers use this convenient underground connection. Due to the grandeur of this incredible structure, the American Society of Civil Engineers declared the tunnel one of the seven wonders of the modern world. The history of the Channel Tunnel is a testament to human ingenuity and international cooperation, overcoming technical, financial, and political obstacles to connect two important European countries. Its continuous operation ensures a vital connection between the United Kingdom and France, playing a crucial role in facilitating the flow of people and goods.
The Channel Tunnel represents not only an impressive technical achievement but also a historic milestone in international cooperation and European integration. Despite the challenges faced over the years, from the first proposals in the 19th century to its completion and inauguration in 1994, the Channel Tunnel symbolizes humanity's ability to overcome obstacles and unite nations for progress and connectivity. By providing a fast and efficient route between the United Kingdom and France, the Channel Tunnel plays a vital role in trade, tourism, and continental integration, demonstrating the transformative power of engineering and international collaboration. [Music]
If you liked the video, give it a like and subscribe to the channel if you are not yet subscribed, to follow the videos we publish every week on the channel. Thank you very much for watching, and see you in the next video.