The English Channel Tunnel

A tunnel underneath the English Channel is currently under construction (Figure 9-9a). When completed in the mid-1990s, the long-awaited Eurotunnel will have profound effects on spatial interaction within Europe. This link between England and France is expected to revolutionize European transportation.

Figure 9-9 Tunnels in Europe, (a) A tunnel connecting England with the mainland of Europe is currently under construction

For centuries, the United Kingdom's geographic isolation from the European continent has been a cornerstone of its foreign policy. Despite the traditional importance of geographic isolation, proposals to construct a road link across or underneath the English Channel have been under consideration for centuries. Regular ferry service transporting people and goods across the Channel dates back to Roman times.

By the nineteenth century, ferry service was put on regular schedules in order to coordinate with the expanding rail networks of Britain and continental Europe. In the 1930s, ferries that could accommodate railroad cars crossed the Channel, enabling passengers to make the crossing without changing trains. Construction of the Eurotunnel system began in 1988. When completed, railroad trains will pass through thirty- one miles of tunnel between Dover, England, and Calais, France—a trip that will take thirty-five minutes, as opposed to over two hours for the conventional ferry ride. The trains will be equipped to carry motor vehicles, bicycles, and revenue passengers.

Economic and Social Impacts of the Tunnel. For many, the Eurotunnel system is a symbol ofEngland's commitment to full participation in the political and economic affairs of Europe. Thus, it is seen as a means of expediting trade between England and continental Europe. The Tunnel is expected by its promoters to generate many new jobs in southern England and northern France. Both England and France are developing high-speed trains connecting the Tunnel with major population centers in London and Paris.

The local impact of the Tunnel may be less rosy, however. The ports of Dover and Calais, the cities connected by the Tunnel, both stand to lose large numbers of jobs. Ferryboat owners in these cities will suffer significant business losses as a result of tunnel construction. Whether these losses will be offset by increased industrial employment in these regions is uncertain.

Some critics fear that the Tunnel may expedite unwanted contact between England and the rest of Europe. Although few today regard the Tunnel as a route for foreign military invasion, some British authorities have expressed other concerns. Health authorities have pointed out the possibility that rabid animals or other pests could reach England from the Continent via the Tunnel. Other authorities have expressed anxiety about the possibility of terrorist attacks, drug smuggling, fires, and accidents.

A similar project is under construction in Scandinavia. The mainland of Denmark is currently being connected to the island of Zealand, on which the Danish capital city of Copenhagen is located. Over the next two decades, agreements between Denmark and Sweden and Denmark and Germany to construct similar projects are expected (Figure 9-9b).

Figure 9-9 Tunnels in Europe, (b) A similar series of tunnels has been proposed for Denmark, Germany, and Scandinavia

Successful completion of these projects would create more connections between Copenhagen and the Scandinavian peninsula and the mainland of Europe.