Alternative options being developed include a partially tunnelled route on the line of the existing A628 and enhancements to several motorways. A spokesman for Transport for the North said that the revised tunnel design could save around a third of the cost, but that no decision has been made on its length.

 

“The original long tunnel was technically feasible, but offered low value for money,” he said. “We are working with Highways England and the Department for Transport to look at alternative options including a shorter tunnel.”

 

In a Trans-Pennine tunnel strategic study (stage three report) from November 2016 published by the DfT, it was said that the road link “could comprise a tunnel section of between 12 and 20 miles in length”. It went on to say the tunnel section “would be longer than any tunnel in the UK and longer than most other road tunnels in Europe, making it an exemplar of its kind”.

 

Following yesterday’s publication of the strategic plan, the Campaign for Better Transport’s chief executive Stephen Joseph commented: “We welcome the move away from the absurdly expensive and unnecessary Trans-Pennine road tunnel and hope this project can be formally disposed of.” He added that he welcomes the strategic transport plan’s emphasis on rail investment.

 

Hull & Humber Chamber of Commerce external affairs manager David Hooper said anything that improves journey times across the north and in particular on the M62 is to be welcomed. But he added: “A tunnel has to be cost effective and whether a long tunnel is the best way to spend large sums of money is debatable.

 

“We continue to lobby hard for better road and rail links for freight between the Humber and the Mersey and it is good to see that Transport for the North is taking that on board.”

 

Local MP Kevin Hollinrake, who represents Thirsk and Malton, said in a statement that he is in favour of the Trans-Pennine road tunnel, but that “any infrastructure development must show that it is value for money”. 

 

Transport for the North’s draft Strategic Transport Plan aims to deliver a £100Bn economic boost and 850,000 additional jobs to the region by 2050. 

 

Improvements outlined by the plan include the so called ‘Northern Powerhouse Rail’ proposal, which sets out to put 1.3M people within an hour of four or more major Northern cities, compared to fewer than 10,000 people today.

 

Infrastructure enhancements include proposed new rail lines between Liverpool and the High Speed 2 Manchester Spur via Warrington, and another across the Pennines connecting Manchester and Leeds via Bradford. Upgrades are also pledged along the Hope Valley corridor from Sheffield to Manchester via Stockport and on lines between Leeds and Hull (via Selby) and Sheffield to Hull (via Doncaster).

 

Work continues to understand the options and a case for either a new line or significant upgrades between Manchester and Sheffield. In the short term, integrated and smart ticketing will be rolled out to make paying for and planning travel easier.

 

On the roads, a Major Road Network for the North has been set out, linking current economic centres and locations which have been identified as being vital for future growth. The MRN for the North comprises around 7% of the region’s roads.

 

The Confederation of British Industry’s managing director for infrastructure and people Neil Carberry said: “The publication of the Strategic Transport Plan is a significant milestone in delivering the infrastructure that is needed to boost productivity across the whole of the north. It is now for other areas and central Government to work together to ensure that no region is left behind by the regional growth agenda.”

 

The Strategic Transport Plan is published in draft form and a 13 week public consultation on the proposals now begins. A final version of the plan will be published later this year and submitted to Government for Ministerial consideration.

 

Subject to Parliamentary approval Transport for the North will become England’s first sub national transport body at the beginning of April.