Channel Tunnel close to being fully operational

BY early next month the Channel Tunnel should be fully operational as repair work to a section damaged by fire is completed.

Eurotunnel has said that it intends to open the repaired section on the night of February 9 and 10, allowing both Shuttle services and the Eurostar to travel at normal speeds.

At the same time Eurostar has said it will return to its normal timetable from February 23, with up to 19 services per day on the London to Paris route and up to 10 operating between London and Brussels.

On the same date Eurostar intends to begin a direct Ashford to Brussels service, which had been delayed since last December by the tunnel incident.

Earlier this month Eurostar reported that 2008 had been a record year for the service, with a 10 per cent increase in passenger numbers.