A bold new proposal seeks to drastically improve transport links between Manchester and Sheffield with a 14-mile underground tunnel. The 'Trans-Pennine Connect' project, developed by infrastructure company Future Works, aims to construct a dual carriageway beneath the scenic Peak District National Park, addressing the persistent congestion that drivers currently endure.
Despite being 40 miles apart, Manchester and Sheffield are notably the largest pair of UK cities without a direct dual carriageway connection. The existing A57 route, which snakes through the National Park, is frequently gridlocked and includes challenging stretches like Snake Pass, known for its steep gradients, sharp bends, and susceptibility to landslides. Proponents of the tunnel argue it would significantly reduce trans-Pennine traffic within the National Park, potentially allowing for the restoration of the former Woodhead railway route alongside the new road tunnel, which previously linked the cities until its passenger closure in 1970.
The project's innovative approach is said to be inspired by Scandinavian tunnelling methods, specifically the 'drill and blast' technique widely used in Norway. Law firm Clyde & Co, advising Future Works, highlights this as a key element of the scheme's feasibility. If approved, construction could commence before the end of the decade, with completion anticipated by the mid-2030s.
Local authorities, including the East Midlands Combined County Authority (EMCCA), have expressed interest in improving connectivity across the East Midlands and the North. An EMCCA spokesperson acknowledged that poor transport links hinder economic growth in these regions, stating that while they welcome such proposals, any future schemes must align with broader strategic plans, be evidence-based, affordable, and incorporate public feedback. They confirmed they would be monitoring developments with interest.
However, the government's Department for Transport (DfT) currently has no plans to back the Trans-Pennine tunnel. A DfT spokesperson stated that while they are committed to investing in projects that offer value to taxpayers and foster growth, the significant financial and environmental costs associated with this tunnel make it unfeasible at present. Instead, National Highways has already identified measures to enhance safety and resilience along the existing A628/A616 corridor, which form part of safety improvements within the government's third Road Investment Strategy.