Channel Tunnel: engineering vision, project inception, business outcome

Abstract

The problems encountered on the Channel Tunnel project were formidable. At several times in its dramatic history, the project was about to collapse and would have done so but for some critical intervention or decision. It is remarkable-on a project of this scale and novelty-that none of these incipient total collapses were failures in engineering concept, design or construction. Indeed it is tragic that the press and the public should so under-rate the engineering challenges and achievements of the project. The problems lay in the dense undergrowth of promotion, ownership, financial, commercial and regulatory interests. It is in this domain that the near total project failures occurred. The lessons are too important to be ignored. This paper is a contribution to the analysis and discussion. Whilst at times critical of the various parties, this paper attempts to be objective and even-handed between Eurotunnel and Trans Manche Link. Indeed, one theme running through the project is that of able and dedicated people struggling with near impossible and often conflicting tasks.