Tunnel or bridge
Page 5
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A SYMPOSIUM in London this week discussed the implications of a Channel tunnel. It was felt that a single-track tunnel has a beneficial environmental impact by diverting passengers and freight to rail. A double-track tunnel, and to a greater extent a road bridge would have certain adverse envirOnmental implications.
The distribution of the impact of the fixed links were that the major negative impact for transport was on ferry operators.
The distribution of user benefits was a function of proximity to the link. In the UK it was felt that the development areas were distant from the link. On the Continent, the Pas de Calais is itself a development area.
An independent report said that questions had to be answered:
• Is there a prima facie case for any fixed link across the Channel?
• Is any one scheme found to be the most promising?
• Are there any schemes which prima facie, and on the evidence available, do not seem worth pursuing?
Whilst the bridge schemes show lower returns and do not look as promising in the short run, they do show positive returns over a 50year period, says the report.