http://www.francemonthly.com/n/0102/index.php#article6

Against All Odds, The Malpas Tunnel

Technical difficulties surrounding the canal were numerous, and many of Riquet's detractors anxiously awaited the slightest "faux-pas" to have the project halted. However, 14 years of labor were sufficient to construct no less than 63 locks, 126 bridges, 105 aqueducts, 6 dams, and 7 canal-bridges, for a total distance of 145 miles between Toulouse and Sète! Among the many obstacles encountered that could have ruined Riquet, was Malpas Hill, located 4 miles west of Béziers. Going around this large hill meant more wasted time and money. With his back to the wall, Pierre-Paul could not allow this, so he decided to build a tunnel. However, the particularly crumbly soil rendered this operation extremely dangerous and uncertain. Informed of these conditions, Colbert stopped the process cold. Against the government's wishes, Riquet amassed workers from other sites and continued the work illicitly. He knew that it would only be a matter of time before his enemies discovered his secret and denounced him. In only one week, the first navigational tunnel in the world, 160 yards long, had been built. This, in itself, was one of his greatest triumphs.

The first recorded use of "black powder explosive" in civil engineering, was here at the Malpas Tunnel.

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