Routes shortlisted fortrans-Pennine tunnel

A MAP of the five routes that have been shortlisted for the new trans-Pennine tunnel

A TRANS-PENNINE tunnel between Manchester and Sheffield which could almost halve journey between the two cities has seen five routes shortlisted.

All five routes join the M60 east of Manchester to the M1 north of Sheffield, with four options starting at the M67. The shortlisted options have been divided into five broad corridors.

Journey times would be cut by 30 minutes as a result of the proposed tunnel, which could provide an economic boost to the two cities as well as the surrounding area. The link would also help to protect the environment by reducing traffic through the Peak District National Park (PDNP).

The trans-Pennine tunnel study was launched by the government in autumn 2015, showing the strong case for the tunnel which could provide safer and more reliable journeys.

John Cridland, chairman of Transport for the North, said: "The study shows a tunnel beneath the Pennines would boost the economy of the region, and potentially benefit the environment of the Peak District by reducing traffic in the national park.

"This is just one of the visionary projects Transport for the North is working on, as well as other schemes, such as Northern Powerhouse Rail, as we develop a strategy to connect the North and transform its economy."

The study forms part of the government's next phase of road improvements, which will get under way from 2020.

In the final stage of the study, due to be completed by the end of 2016, the strategic and economic cases for each option will be assessed and cost estimates will be provided.

Studies into the M25 south-west quadrant, the Manchester north-west quadrant and the Northern trans-Pennine are also under way. Reports will be completed in the next six months and will inform the development of the government's second Road Investment Strategy.