Europe opens the longest tunnel in the world, 57km, under the Swiss Alps

Thursday, June 2nd 2016 - 07:13 UTC

Full article 3 comments

The world's longest tunnel officially opened on Wednesday, with the trailblazing rail passage under the Swiss Alps aiming to ease transit through the heart of Europe. With political unity on the continent shaken by a massive influx of migrants and the looming threat of Britain's EU departure, Swiss president Johann Schneider-Ammann said the tunnel would “join the people and the economies” of Europe. Read full article

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ChrisR
Who GAF whether you can cut an hour off going to Italy?

As for the:
“It should also make rail freight more efficient -- partly by supporting heavier cargo, which should reduce the number of smoke-spewing lorries on the roads, in turn improving traffic and curbing pollution.” this is written by someone who does not understand the economics of Euro/UK wide road transport and lorries have been complying for 10 years to Euro Emissions much tighter than for cars. Also, what carbon footprint is the cost of generating electricity for the trains?

This will INCREASE transport costs by denuding truck of a backload which makes the whole out and back journey worth doing.

But heh, I only ran my own heavy transport business for seven years, what do I know? More than the author of the article, that's for sure.
Jun 02nd, 2016 - 07:56 pm - Link - Report abuse 0
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Pete Bog
When Argentina finally finished the Malvinas Chunnel in 300 years this will be a proud achievement for the republic.

It will be opened by lots of cheering and flag waving. That is white flags as the invasion force surrenders on tunnelling into West Falkland as a British patrol of four soldiers passes by. And hysterical cheering, as the RGs are welcomed back through the Argentine end of the tunnel.

Medals will be issued to all participants and the date that they complete the tunnel celebrated forever, but curiously, the date they are marched back by the Brits through the tunnel will never again be mentioned....
Jun 05th, 2016 - 08:58 pm - Link - Report abuse 0
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ChrisR
@ 2 Pete Bog

So no change there then Pete! :o)
Jun 06th, 2016 - 10:59 am - Link - Report abuse 0
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