Boris’s bridge across the Channel is entirely possible, says expert
BORIS JOHNSON’S proposal to build a bridge across the Channel is “absolutely possible”, one of the world’s leading bridge designers has said.
The Foreign Secretary has said it is “ridiculous” that the UK and France are only physically “linked by a single railway”, but his suggestion for a bridge was given a frosty welcome by shipping companies over concerns it would cause major disruption in the world’s busiest shipping lanes.
But Mr Johnson received a significant boost after Ian Firth, the former president of the Institution of Structural Engineers, said building such a bridge was “entirely feasible”.
He said: “It has been looked at before. Before the tunnel was built there were bridge options being looked at and of course it is doable. There are bridges of a similar – but not quite that – scale elsewhere.
Critics questioned the viability of building such a structure, with Guy Platten, the chief executive of the UK Chamber of Shipping, warning against the potential damage to sea freight. He said: “Shipping moves 95 per cent of the UK’S trade – it is vital that its movement remains as frictionless as possible, without disruption of any kind.
“The Government and the EU should concentrate on keeping trade moving freely through our ports, which is in the economic interest of both sides of the Channel.”
Mr Firth, a director at engineering firm COWI, suggested any impact on shipping could be avoided by combining a bridge with a stretch of tunnel – similar to the Oresund Bridge between Sweden and Denmark, which descends into a tunnel built on an artificial island
He told BBC Radio 4’s Today programme: “It would be a huge undertaking but it would be absolutely possible and the shipping impact issues could be dealt with.”
Mr Firth would not be drawn on the cost of bridging the approximately 22 miles between the UK and the continent but said it would likely take almost a decade to plan and build.
David Knight, a member of the board of the Institution of Structural Engineers, said: “It’s technically feasible, but would be extremely expensive.”
Mr Johnson hinted at his desire for more big Anglo-french infrastructure projects when he tweeted on Thursday: “I’m especially pleased we are establishing a panel of experts to look at major projects together. Our economic success depends on good infrastructure and good connections. Should the Channel Tunnel be just a first step?”
The Daily Telegraph understands that when Mr Johnson suggested building a second Channel crossing to Emmanuel Macron at an Anglo-french summit on Thursday, the French president replied: “I agree. Let’s do it.”
Downing Street did not appear to back Mr Johnson’s idea, with Number 10 saying it had “not seen any plans for a bridge”.
However, Sir Nick Clegg, the former Liberal Democrat leader, said he supported the plans and he was “all for extra bridges”, although he added he thought the idea was a “masterstroke in diversion” from Brexit.
‘It’s technically feasible, but would be extremely expensive’
SIR – Boris Johnson may well be an ardent champion of Brexit, but he engages with France’s president, Emmanuel Macron, with a degree of empathy and a genuine enthusiasm that will prove positive for both countries. Mr Macron has a vision for France and Mr Johnson is well able to match his direct but eloquent negotiating stance.
As the development of Concorde and the Channel Tunnel has shown, France and Britain can work together in harmony. A bridge across the Channel (report, January 19) would be a practical and visible statement of co-operation.
Simon Lever
Winchester, Hampshire
SIR – The Foreign Secretary’s record on bridges to Europe is sketchy at best; he has spent a career burning them.
John Shields
London SW1
SIR – It is a pity that the Foreign Secretary does not concentrate on his real brief, rather than suggesting schemes that are neither appropriate nor affordable at this time. In any event the Government’s preferred contractor, Carillion, is sinking beneath the waves. HS2 is another white elephant that continues to drain funds from areas of real need.
Mr Johnson might be better employed in laying the necessary resolution before the United Nations to obtain clearance for humanitarian aid into Yemen; making proposals for Syria; demanding and enforcing compliance in the free return home of Burma’s displaced people, and seeking to stem the deaths of those drowning on the crossing from Africa to Europe.
Sadly, such work is beyond his competence. Perhaps he should have asked President Macron to advise or assist. France is in the ascendency as we lag further and further behind.
James Bishop
Wincanton, Somerset
SIR – Surely Mr Johnson meant to propose a bridge across the Solent.
It is only two miles, and we’ve always been friends with England.
David Blackford
Seaview, Isle of Wight
SIR – In a piece of rather unfortunate timing, Mr Johnson raised the possibility of a Channel bridge on the very morning that the far smaller structure at Dartford was closed yet again because of “high winds”.
Ivor Davies
Chatham, Kent
SIR – Connecting up our own country should be the Government’s first priority. Passengers and goods should be able to board trains at Belfast bound directly for Edinburgh, Glasgow, Manchester and London via an Irish Sea fixed link. The reward would be a more cohesive United Kingdom politically, economically and socially.
The Victorians had serious discussion in Parliament about this venture. It is time for us to crack on.
John Barstow
Pulborough, West Sussex
SIR – Boris Johnson’s proposal is rather silly for many reasons, such as the cost, the depth of water, the shipping in the busiest waterway in the world and the typical Channel weather.
It would be far more sensible if everybody crossed by bathtub, as I attempted to do in 1961.
Alan Witt
Charing, Kent