Geological Aspects of the Channel Tunnel Scheme

Abstract

THE numerous advantages that will result from the making of a tunnel between England and France have long been recognised; but it may not be generally known that in support of such a scheme legislation dealing with the preliminary procedure passed both the French and British Parliaments so long ago as 1875. Less than five years later a start was actually made and headings were commenced on both sides of the Channel, but the failure of the French Channel Company, followed by an order issued by the British Government to close down the work of the British engineers, brought the project to a standstill. Now that the scheme has been revived it is hoped that the undertaking will be pushed through to a successful issue. Geologists agree that the excavation of the tunnel is practicable, and no obstacles which will defeat the ingenuity of engineers are likely to arise in the course of its construction.