Consider the longest canal tunnel in the world. That’s the Rove Tunnel. This marvel of engineering connects Marseille to the Rhône River. Today, we explore this out-of-use canal tunnel. It whispers tales of ambition, war, and eventual abandonment.
The Rove Tunnel’s story began with a vision. The vision was to link Marseille’s harbor to the Rhône River. This would create a crucial waterway. It would bypass the Mediterranean Sea. The larger Canal de Marseille au Rhône would benefit.
Imagine engineers discussing plans in 1879. Guérard presented a proposal to the Marseille Chamber of Commerce. However, action was delayed. It wasn’t until December 24, 1903, that the project was authorized.
Preparatory work commenced in 1906. Underground work started in 1910. Workers used compressed air hammers. They broke through the rock from the south and north. A ventilation tunnel was also created. Unexpectedly, water irruptions hampered progress.
World War I influenced the project. Work accelerated after August 1, 1914. Spanish and Portuguese workers joined the team. They replaced Italians who returned home for the war. German prisoners of war also contributed.
February 19, 1916, marked a milestone. Dynamite removed the central plug. This connected the north and south sections. The plug was 4,710 meters from the south portal. Marcel Sembat, Minister of Public Works, inaugurated the Rove Tunnel on May 7, 1916. Joseph Thierry, Undersecretary of State for War, attended. The full canal finally opened to traffic on April 25, 1927. Water had flowed through it since 1925.
The Rove Tunnel stretched 7,120 meters. It was 22 meters wide and 11.4 meters high. The water depth reached 4 meters. It connected the Étang de Berre in the north with L’Estaque in the south. These hosted parts of Marseille’s harbor.
Sadly, the Rove Tunnel’s active life was short. A collapse occurred in 1963. This led to its closure. Despite its disuse, the Rove Tunnel remains the world’s largest canal tunnel.
There’s hope for the Rove Tunnel. A project aims to revive it. The plan is to use it as a saltwater supply for Berre Lake. This lake is slowly drying. The tunnel might get a new lease on life. It could help restore the lake’s ecosystem.
The Rove Tunnel stands as a testament. It is a testament to human ingenuity and perseverance. It also shows the impact of unforeseen events. War and geological challenges shaped its history. Today, it remains a silent giant. It is a reminder of grand ambitions. These ambitions were once realized in Marseille’s industrial heart.