Tunnel for Sheffield-Manchester road would be in ‘difficult terrain’

ANY FUTURE tunnel linking Sheffield to Manchester is likely to be shorter than originally planned and constructed in the ‘highest and most difficult terrain’ in the Peak District, a new report has said.

A study by Highways England said this option provides better value for money, gives the same benefits to the full-length tunnel and improves access to the Peak District.

The cost of the scheme is reported to be £8bn to £12bn but could rise with inflation. In July 2015, Highways England were asked to produce a study into the feasibility of a new strategic highway route – including a tunnel under the Pennines – connecting the M1 at Sheffield and M60 at Manchester.

Previous studies have shown that journeys between Sheffield and Manchester are amongst the lowest between two main cities due to the poor road and rail connections.

A new route also has the potential to ‘promote growth in the City Region’.

The scheme will also aim to reduce the impact of traffic in the Peak District National Park.

The length of the project was expected to be around 25 miles, designed to dual, two-lane standards and have a speed of at least 60mph.

This project is still in the very early stages and the Government has only committed funding for its early development, not the whole project.

David Whitley, senior transport programme manager at Sheffield City Region, said: “Alternative corridors and tunnel options were considered and sifted out due to cost and deliverability.

“Doing nothing is an alternative option but not one supported by the Peak District National Park and road links between two key regions would remain poor, adversely impacting a collection of things and constraining the Northern Powerhouse economy.”