Channel Tunnel

(also infml the Chunnel)

a rail tunnel under the English Channel between England and France. There have been proposals for a tunnel since the 19th century, but political and practical problems prevented any progress being made until the 1980s. It was opened in 1994 and is managed by Eurotunnel, which also operates a train service through the tunnel for cars and trucks. Other trains using the tunnel include the Eurostar passenger trains and various freight trains:

Cross-Channel ferry prices are lower than ever, thanks to competition from the Channel Tunnel.

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or Eurotunnel

Rail tunnel that runs beneath the English Channel between Folkestone, England, and Sangatte (near Calais), France.

A rail tunnel was chosen over proposals for a very long suspension bridge, a bridge-and-tunnel link, and a combined rail-and-road link. The 31-mi (50-km) tunnel, which opened in 1994, consists of three separate tunnels, two for rail traffic and a central tunnel for services and security. Trains, which carry motor vehicles as well as passengers, can travel through the tunnel at speeds as high as 100 mph (160 kph).

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▪ tunnel, Europe

also called  Eurotunnel 

 rail tunnel between England and France that runs beneath the English Channel. The Channel Tunnel, 31 miles (50 km) long, consists of three tunnels: two for rail traffic and a central tunnel for services and security. The tunnel runs between Folkestone, Eng., and Sangatte (near Calais), France, and is used for both freight and passenger traffic. Passengers can travel either by ordinary rail coach or within their own motor vehicles, which are loaded onto special rail cars. Trains can travel through the tunnel at speeds as high as 100 miles (160 km) per hour; the trip takes about 35 minutes.

      The often-considered idea of constructing a tunnel under the English Channel was revived in 1986 by the United Kingdom and France. A rail tunnel was chosen over proposals for a very long suspension bridge, a bridge-and-tunnel link, and a combined rail-and-road link, and the project was privately financed by a consortium of British and French corporations and banks; the Anglo-French company operating the tunnel is called Eurotunnel. Digging began on both sides of the Strait of Dover in 1987–88 and was completed in 1991. The tunnel was officially opened on May 6, 1994.

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