Alternate Chunnel

I was wondering if Dunkirk remains English somehow* how hard would it be to create a Channel Tunnel from Dunkirk to England? Would it be too expensive to contemplate. Would it be possible, but just at a later time (early 21st century)?

If Dunkirk would be technically possible, what would be too far away. Would a channel tunnel from the current Belgian border to England be possible? How far can we go before it becomes ridiculous? Bruges, Rotterdam, Hamburg?



*Or if Dunkirk becomes Belgian or Dutch or whatever and relations between France and England/Britain go/remain sour
 

Skallagrim

Banned
If Calais-Dover can be done, Dunkirk-Dover should hardly be impossible. If a little territory around Dunkirk is assumed to be controlled by whoever holds Dunkirk (so, basically, up to Gravelines/Grevelingen), then the whole thing should add a distance of five miles or so to the actual under-water part of the tunnel. (And consider, that bit is c. 23 miles in OTL, of a total 31.35 miles of tunnel). This isn't an impossible distance. Not by a long shot.
 
Well that is an interesting alternative timeline without the existence of a tunnel to Dunkirk - the retention of Dunkirk and or Calais in English hands to a much later date.
 
The only problem is, how does England not lose the city to France? Like Calais before, it is very tough for them to defend, especially against Louis XIV's forces. I guess they could remain allies, but that means major butterflies.
 
The only problem is, how does England not lose the city to France? Like Calais before, it is very tough for them to defend, especially against Louis XIV's forces. I guess they could remain allies, but that means major butterflies.
My idea was that it was basicly turned into one of the Dutch barrier cities. So defended by Dutch troops. That would reduce the cost for the English to defend it.

It wouldn't be completely safe, but since most of what is now Belgium did not became French, my guess would be that Dunkirk could remain English/British too. Even if it was occupied by the French for awhile.
 
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