FUN WITH MAPS ISSUE 2024-208

By Steve Kovacs (Introduction by Chuck Gibson)

LOVELAND, OH (November 14, 2024) – In this edition of Fun with Maps we take a ride through a unique tunnel.

Under the Sea

First proposed in 1802, a tunnel under the English Channel begun construction in 1988, to connect France and Britain.

The “Chunnel” opened for passenger service on November 14, 1994, 30 years ago today.  It carries the high-speed Eurostar train, freight lines, cars, you name it.  No, not helicopters or planes.

The French and British boring teams worked from the two ends with two tunnels to dig, one going east the other west. 

The Chunnel is 31 miles in length and is 75 meters below the sea level for the most part.

This unusual nautical map from 1794 by la Rochette shows the English Channel south to France’s Bay of Biscay.

Steve Kovacs and his wife Theresa reside in Loveland, Ohio where they raised their two children. He is a passionate collector of antique maps.

Visit his antique map boutique world-on-paper online. Watch for his daily feature Steve Kovacs: Fun with Maps here on Loveland Beacon.