( also infml the Chunnel )
a rail tunnel under the English Channel between England and France. There have been proposals for a tunnel since the 19th century, but political and practical problems prevented any progress being made until the 1980s. It was opened in 1994 and is managed by Eurotunnel , which also operates a train service through the tunnel for cars and trucks. Other trains using the tunnel include the Eurostar passenger trains and various freight trains:
Cross-Channel ferry prices are lower than ever, thanks to competition from the Channel Tunnel.