England might get world's longest road link

The tunnel would run under Woodhead Pass

A major road and rail tunnel through England’s Peak District could become one of the longest in the world, according to a report published by Highways England.

The scheme to bore through the Peak District to improve links between Sheffield and Manchester is feasible, but further investigation is needed. Such a tunnel would result in quicker journey times and avoid delays caused by poor weather in the winter months.

The government study looked at the feasibility of tunnelling under the A628 Woodhead Pass, in a scheme which would reportedly cost £6 billion. The planned new link between Sheffield and Manchester would include a tunnelled section, which could range from between 20km to 30km. The paper's preliminary findings highlight the benefits of a combined road and rail tunnel made up of separate bores.

Highways England said a more in-depth study will be ready by the autumn of 2016. The final report looking at the transport, social, economic and environmental aspects of the scheme will be produced in October 2016

Nov 30, 2015

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