BEING PUSHED

Otago Daily Times, Issue 22903, 10 June 1936, Page 16

BEING PUSHED

MONT BLANC TUNNEL DIFFICULTIES OVERCOME Both the project of a tunnel under Mont Blanc, and the project of an autostrada by the side of the existing railroad in the Simplon tunnel, are making real progress, and if there is an early return to more normal political conditions in Europe it is probable that their execution will begin, says the Geneva correspondent of the Christian Science Monitor.

Antoine Bron, who lias strongly advocated in Switzerland the piercing of Mont Blanc, which ivould undoubtedly give additional importance to Geneva, placing the city on the direct line of communication from Paris to Eome, has recently explained to an interested public the scheme as it now shapes itself. A new possibility emerges—that of making, the tunnel, a hyphen between two airlines. According to this proposition, Geneva would be the centre to which would converge various European air services. The air passengers would go by road from Geneva to the Mont Blanc tunnel, and after having traversed it, and thus passed the Alps, would again take an aeroplane. This plan is under consideration, and appears to present certain attractions. It is pointed out that theoretically the line Paris-Home should be drawn through Geneva, which would certainly profit by the construction of a new gateway through the range of gigantic mountains. Indeed, the economic difficulties of Geneva would, in the opinion of many people, immediately be overcome. It appears, however, that the railway companies have not looked with too favourable an eye on new trans-alpine routes. But the promoters of the present project fall back on the idea of a motor road. It is probable that ,if ever Mpnt Blane is bored, it will be for automobiles rather than for trains. It is precisely the development of the automobile for long journeys across Europe that has rendered the “ short cut ” through the Alps necessary, CONSTRUCTION PRACTICABLE. A distinguished engineer, M. Monod; has concluded, after a careful study of the conditions, that the construction of'the Mont Blanc tunnel is practicable. A geological report has been drawn up by Professor Lugeon, of the Lausanne University, which shows that although the mountain is made of hard rock it will be easy to pierce. There is not likely to be any troublp from unexpected springs of water in the granite walls. Moreover, it is a happy circumstance that the “ massif ” of Mont Blanc is relatively narrow at its base. There are two valleys situated at a low altitude on the French and Italian sides—the valley of the Arve, and the valley of the Dore. They are almost always free from snow. The northern opening is planned for Entreves, at a height of 1.305 metres. The tunnel as contemplated will be 123 kilometres long, and 8} metres wide. The great problem of a road tunnel is that of ventilation. It is well known that automobiles give off a toxic gas, and fliat it must be dissipated by efficient air conditioning. The present idea is to place under the roadway a sort of sub-tunnel wheh will carry fresh air into the tunnel. If there should bo accumulated an excess of carbonic gas, alarm bells will automatically ring, and the staff of the tunnel will take measures to increase the ventilation. It is understood that this system is already functioning under the Scheldt and the Mersey. Every 200 metres there will be a stairway by which the passengers can descend into the gallery of fresh air under the main tunnel. The circulation will be two ways. Naturally the tunnel will be lighted day and night, and there is envisaged a system of traffic signals for all circumstances. FINANCE. It is proposed that France shall furnish two-thirds of the necessary capital, and Italy the other third. According to the estimates, the scheme is financially sound, since there will naturally be a charge for usings the tunnel, based on the weight of the vehicle and the number of passengers. The minimum of 10,000 vehicles a month will certainly be exceeded. The Italian Government lias promptly given its consent. The French Government raised objections of a strategic character, and the plan was modified accordingly. It is now again submitted to the Council of Public Works, and no doubt is entertained of the eventual reply. In tlie meantime a syndicate of initiative lias undertaken to form a company and to find the funds. It is composed of French and Italian notabilities. M. Bron, representing Swiss interests, is also a member of the syndicate, and the Genevese Department of Commerce and Industry follows the proceedings with the greatest sympathy. As for the autostrade beside the existing railway track through the Simplon, it is reported that the Federal Council has been formally approached for its support, which can hardly be refused. The Italian Government is favourable. It appears that the financial problem is already solved. It is remarkable that there should be this exceptional activity in providing new routes through the Alps which will link Italy through Switzerland more effectively with a number of European countries. The diplomatic difficulties have not for a moment suspended the efforts to advance these schemes into the realm of early realisations.