Incredible £2.68bn tunnel planned to link Channel Islands but future hangs in the balance
It was earlier reported that there were interests in building an undersea link between Jersey and Guernsey, with a later extension to France.
A plan for an incredible 17-mile (28km) rail tunnel connecting Guernsey and Jersey that would cost around £2.6bn is yet to see the light of day, despite investors expressing their enthusiasm for the project. It was earlier reported that there were interests in building an undersea link between Jersey and Guernsey, with a later extension to France.
Martyn Dorey, a local entrepreneur and former president of the Chamber of Commerce, has been a strong advocate for the direct link from Guernsey, drawing inspiration in part from the tunnel connecting the Faroe Islands.
It was reported that investors also displayed interest, and recently the Jersey government has pledged to conduct a feasibility study exploring the possibility of a tunnel or bridge between Jersey and France.
Mr. Dorey expressed his delight, stating: “I am pleased that the Jersey government is contemplating a permanent connection between Jersey and France.
“The British Tunnelling Society has ranked the initial Channel Island/France tunnel concept as the third project globally to watch for in 2023.
“This underscores that our actions as a British island archipelago have a significant impact on the considerations of the global engineering community.
“Guernsey and Jersey would benefit from working together on this project, as there will be a windfall for both islands in establishing fixed infrastructure.
"This is more than just an infrastructure project, it is a social, economic, and environmental project with the potential to transform the lives and prospects of citizens, businesses and society in the Channel Islands.
"A key outcome is establishing a commuting population from France and to enrich trade, tourism, and enhanced social cohesion.”
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However, the idea was put on hold by the island's Deputy Chief Minister who said that the prospect of a tunnel or bridge linking Jersey and France is not anticipated in the near future.
Deputy Kirsten Morel has reintroduced the concept, initially proposed in 2008, as a component of a new government initiative aimed at fostering sustainable economic growth on the island, reported ITV.
He emphasised the significance of the government examining the feasibility of commuting from France, stating: "Ultimately, the question arises - do you envision a permanent connection, be it a bridge or a tunnel?"
The Minister suggested that increasing the frequency of ferries could boost connectivity to the continent instead.
Deputy Kirsten Morel revisited the idea - which was originally proposed back in 2008 - as part of a new government plan for the island's sustainable economic growth.