Eurotunnel now fully open to traffic

Eurotunnel services have returned to full frequency following the completion of work to repair the damage caused by a fire in the Channel Tunnel in September last year.

At 15:00 GMT yesterday (February 9th), the first commercial shuttle to travel along interval six of the north tunnel since September 11th 2008 departed the Folkestone terminal.

Transport secretary Geoff Hoon gave the departure signal for the shuttle service, which carried 30 heavy goods vehicles and made the crossing from England to France in just 32 minutes.

Eurotunnel services can now carry leisure travellers between Folkestone and Calais at normal operating speeds, while Eurostar will shortly return to normal journey times from London to Paris and Brussels.

Mr Hoon said: "Eurotunnel has done a magnificent job in bringing this vital piece of European high-speed transport infrastructure back into full service so quickly."

Jacques Gounon, chairman and chief executive of Eurotunnel, praised the company's staff for completing the repair work under budget and ahead of schedule.

The Channel Tunnel could prove a useful alternative for people planning to travel between the UK and France today (February 10th), as storms in England and France have forced the cancellation of some cross channel ferry services and many flights.

Calais - Folkestone

Car + 2 Return

Travelling on: 20/02/2012 - 20/02/2012

£44

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Calais - Folkestone

Car + 4 Return

Travelling on: 20/02/2012 - 20/02/2012

£44

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