“A fixed link to the Isle of Wight could well be a reality within a decade,” say the Pro-Link Campaign Association. Representatives of the Dutch business Tunnel Engineering Consultants (TEC) have visited the Island and say that a fixed link across the Solent is technically feasible. TEC delegates estimate the likely costs of a tunnel would be in the range of £1-1.2bn for the completed project.
A bridge is not deemed practical, due to the underlying geology and the height required of the span. The other two options, which need further consideration are twin bored, or immersed tube tunnels.
Suggested time-frames for the project would begin with between two to three years to complete the full engineering and design study. Once work commenced, build time is likely to be in the region of between five and seven years.
Campaigners say: “The delegates assessed that the immersed tube tunnel option would be attractive to boost the socio-economics on the Island. It is extremely likely private sector financial backing, similar to that on the Severn Crossings could be sourced for such a project. 90% of the labour for the project could be locally sourced. The biggest challenges that would need to be considered for this construction method are environmental issues, as the Solent has a number of significant and complex constraints around any route. The choice of a bored tunnel would use much less local labour, due to the highly specialised skills needed for such a project, but it would cause significantly less environmental impact. With all projects of this type, the final construction method and route would be decided during the design and engineering phase of the project.”
The visitors were Paul Hanafin, Director of Infrastructure at Royal HaskoningDHV and Hans de Wit, Managing Director of TEC. Paul and Hans visited after responding to a letter from Kevin Price, asking for their views on the prospect of a cross Solent Fixed Link.
