Eurostar returning to full capacity on Eurotunnel services

In the coming days, Eurostar trains are expected to be running from St Pancras Station at “nearly 100 per cent capacity,” according to a Eurotunnel spokesman.

“The number of people boarding trains and the number of trains running will be almost back to 100% on Eurostar,” the spokesman – a Mr Keefe - said. Capacity will be running at approximately 90% on freight services and somewhat lower on passenger services, from Folkestone.

Eurotunnel, the Channel tunnel operator, is hopeful that the first of three 10.5 mile sections of track in the north tunnel will re-open on Monday, and that by Wednesday, a second section will be open.

The third section was the most severely damaged during the 11 September 11, and the site is still being investigated by police. It is likely that it will be “some time” before the final section re-opens.

Keefe issued a warning, that although Eurostar services will be running near full capacity, some delays to journey times are still to be expected, as the high-speed trains will reduce speed when diverting to the south tunnel, as they make their way past the section of rail damaged by the fire.

“Think about it like when a lane is closed on a motorway. By the end of the week it will be a ten-mile lane closure and not 30 miles,” he added.

www.eurostar.com