Eurotunnel’s feasibility study for a second fixed link between the UK and France has been submitted and it concludes that either of the two tunnel options considered is technically feasible. The proposal was handed to the UK and French governments at the end of 1999.
The study complies with the undertaking given in the concession signed in 1986 ‘to present to the Principals between now and the year 2000 a proposal for a drive-through link which shall be added to the first link when technical and economic conditions for realisation of such a link shall permit it and the increase of traffic shall justify it without undermining the expected return on the first link.’
Although the request for submission called only for the proposal of a drive-through link, Eurotunnel, with the assistance of consultants Maunsell and Scetauroute, extended the study to include a possible rail alternative.
Two alternatives were chosen for detailed examination: a single-bore, two-level road tunnel for light vehicles and a single-bore, twin-track rail tunnel, which would have a dividing wall separating the two tracks, for Eurostar trains and freight trains.
The road tunnel would consist of 2 x 3.5m carriageways and a 2.5m hard shoulder. The external diameter would be 15m and the tunnel would be excavated using earth pressure balance machines and double lined first with segmental pre-cast rings, then with an in-situ cast concrete lining. The cost is estimated to be $4.3bn.
The rail option would comprise a single-bore tunnel with internal separation of the uni-directional running lines and a separate service tunnel. The i.d required for such a tunnel would be 13m and, therefore, an external diameter of 15m has been assumed. The estimated cost of such a tunnel is calculated to be $4.8bn
The study considered the issues of safety, the effect of the existing tunnel and the capacity to satisfy long-term traffic demands. A preliminary environmental assessment was also undertaken. Submission of the study results accords with a contractual obligation made by Eurotunnel and does not include a request for the governments to agree to construction of the second fixed link.
Eurotunnel’s executive chairman, Patrick Ponsolle, told T&T International, “Eurotunnel has now complied with its obligations under the concession by submitting to the governments by the due date two technically feasible projects.” He continued:
“The option of adding a second fixed link to the existing tunnel is a long-term issue. Eurotunnel would only embark on such a venture if it would enhance the profitability of the company and was in the interest of its shareholders.”
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