Standedge Tunnels

Northern England's Standedge Tunnel system is one of the most well-known in the UK. These tunnels, built in the 1800's, represent a sound engineering feat. History is rife with travel success and failure. Unfortunately, when a failure does occur, the results can be catastrophic. This is why it is important to learn from the mistakes that past engineers have created. Over time, science has allowed people to create through-ways for a variety of travel methods, such as train, car, and boat. Although all travel methods come with a certain degree of risk, the risk becomes minimised when the proper precautions are taken.

The upkeep and costs associated with the construction of major public roads and passages is a major factor to consider. The value of a transportation system is evaluated by the ways in which that system will be used by the public. When an accident does occur, road crews must assess the damage to the tunnel system. Repairs must be made, regardless of cost, for the safety of the travellers involved. If corners are cut, and damage is ignored, then people suffer as a result. Simple upkeep, such as cleaning, is important as well. A simple spill of oil from a motor vehicle has the potential to cause a massive pile -up.

Once construction of a tunnel or road system is hatched, the travel methods must be considered. Canals, such as the Standedge Canal, are critical to boat traffic. In past years, steam locomotives used tunnels which featured water troughs to provide power. An effective tunnel system must be able to handle multiple types of vehicles, such as cars and heavy trucks. The idea behind their construction is to allow vehicles to gain access to other parts of the UK so that shipments of goods and services are made easier. All tunnels should be appealing to multiple travel methods.

Crowds and traffic are another critical piece to the puzzle. A tunnel system is only worthwhile if it is able to handle large numbers of cars during peak travel times. These peak travel times usually occur during morning and afternoon work commutes. Rush hour traffic has the potential to be deadly, so the tunnel construction must be able to handle these situations. Holidays are peak travel times, and the tunnels must be able to maintain their structural integrity in order to sustain continued use. Adequate travel space is essential to ensure safe passage.

Safety personnel rely on quality tunnels to reach victims who are in need. These safety personnel include fire fighters, police, and ambulance drivers. Often, they use tunnels to circumvent heavy traffic in order to reach a victim in time. The tunnels quickly bring these life savers to the scene of an accident or crime as quickly as possible. Most of the tunnels have smaller connector roads so that safety personnel can cross from one to the other. These travel options ensure that the public remains safe during a time of endured crisis.