Hear this out loudPauseWater is drained from the tunnels by large submersible pumps, and reliable operation is critical – there are more than 200 train movements in each direction every day. Eurotunnel engineers sought a high-quality solution to control all pumping processes during excavation.
How deep under the sea is the Channel Tunnel?
246 feetHear this out loudPauseAt its deepest, the tunnel is 75 metres (246 feet) below the sea level. That's the same as 107 baguettes balancing on top of each other.
How does the Channel Tunnel not flood?
Hear this out loudPauseEven without maintenance, the Chunnel wouldn't quickly flood like many of the world's subways, because it was dug within a single geologic layer, a bed of chalk marl with minimal filtration. Whether an animal would actually try is another matter.
How was the Channel tunnel built underwater?
Do underwater tunnels float?
Hear this out loudPauseA submerged floating tunnel (SFT), also known as submerged floating tube bridge (SFTB), suspended tunnel, or Archimedes bridge, is a proposed design for a tunnel that floats in water, supported by its buoyancy (specifically, by employing the hydrostatic thrust, or Archimedes' principle).
What happens if a train breaks down in the Channel tunnel?
Hear this out loudPauseIf a shuttle were to break down in the tunnel, we are the first responder to try and repair the fault and get the shuttle moving again. Should the evacuation of a shuttle be required, we're there to make sure that the evacuation is carried out quickly and safely.”
Why do they build underwater tunnels instead of bridges?
Hear this out loudPauseOne such advantage would be that a tunnel would still allow shipping to pass. A low bridge would need an opening or swing bridge to allow shipping to pass, which can cause traffic congestion. Conversely, a higher bridge that does allow shipping may be unsightly and opposed by the public.
Does the Channel tunnel ever leak?
Hear this out loudPauseThe answer to this may surprise you. The tunnel does leak, but it is designed to. Seawater from the rocks above the tunnel drips through and is then pumped away.