Manchester–South Yorkshire tunnel plan hailed as ‘exciting opportunity’
Cost-effective tunnelling method emerges as a potential solution
A proposed 14-mile tunnel beneath the Peak District linking Greater Manchester and South Yorkshire has sparked enthusiasm among local leaders.
South Yorkshire Mayor Oliver Coppard described the plan as a "really exciting opportunity" during a South Yorkshire Mayoral Combined Authority Board meeting on 15th September 2026.
Mayor Coppard emphasised the importance of enhancing transport links between the regions for both economic growth and other significant reasons.
The 14-mile dual carriageway, proposed by infrastructure group Future Works and named Trans-Pennine Connect, aims to ease travel frustrations between two major northern cities.
Addressing a question from South Yorkshire resident Richard Dutson, Mayor Coppard acknowledged recent evaluations of a tunnel proposal from Sheffield to Manchester. These assessments noted methodologies that were expensive, pegged at approximately £10.6 billion.
However, Future Works estimates that employing the Norwegian ‘drill-and-blast’ method could significantly reduce costs to about £2 billion.
Nonetheless, the Mayor highlighted the challenges involved and stressed the necessity to consider environmental impacts meticulously. Future Works reported that approximately 20,000 vehicles travel across the Peak District daily, suggesting the project could be funded through tolls without direct Westminster support.
Previously, the government dismissed the proposal due to environmental and financial concerns. Yet, with Prime Minister Andy Burnham now in office, there is renewed hope for support, given his familiarity with the trans-Pennine commute.
South Yorkshire Mayor Coppard expressed optimism that Prime Minister Burnham might back the initiative.