ABSTRACT
The Channel Tunnel finally opened for service during 1994. Even at the last minute the actual date posed problems and served to vindicate the views of sceptics and opponents in the Press and City. On the other hand to deliver a working transport system of such complexity within about a year of a date originally fixed eight years previously and after 200 years of dreams and aborted attempts compares favourably with other infrastructure schemes (the Humber Bridge, the Thames Barrier) and rail based transport systems (Manchester Metrolink and Sheffield Supertram both faced last minute delays; more inauspiciously BR’s Advanced Passenger Train never achieved full scheduled revenue service).
