I recently met with Michael Dnes, co-founder of Future Works, to discuss an ambitious new proposal for a tunnel beneath the Pennines that could transform transport links between Greater Manchester and South Yorkshire.
For many people locally, discussions about major infrastructure projects can often feel distant or theoretical. But this proposal immediately caught my attention because of what it could mean for communities in and around Hollingworth, Mottram and Tintwistle, who have lived with heavy traffic congestion for decades.
As a former resident of Hollingworth, I know first-hand the impact that congestion on the A57 and surrounding roads has on daily life. Residents regularly contact me about the queues, delays, air pollution and frustration caused by traffic passing through our villages. The need for a proper long-term solution has been clear for many years.
That is why the idea behind this proposal is so interesting. Rather than relying on traditional road-building approaches, Future Works has developed a concept that would see a new tunnel connection across the Pennines, effectively delivering the full bypass that local communities have wanted from the outset. Crucially, they believe this can be achieved at a significantly lower cost than previous proposals through innovative engineering and construction methods.
The economic case for improving east-west connectivity across the North has long been recognised. Better transport links help businesses grow, improve access to jobs and skills, and strengthen the connections between our great northern cities. But for residents in villages along the current route, this is not simply about economic growth. It is about improving quality of life by removing large volumes of through traffic from local roads.
Of course, any proposal of this scale needs to be assessed carefully. There are important questions around deliverability, environmental impacts, costs and wider transport priorities that would need to be addressed. Major infrastructure investments must provide value for taxpayers and command public confidence.
However, what impressed me about my discussion with Michael was the willingness to think differently about a challenge that has seemed unsolvable for far too long. New technology and modern engineering techniques are creating opportunities that simply did not exist when earlier schemes were being considered.
For communities across Longdendale and the wider area, the key question remains straightforward: can we finally deliver the lasting solution to congestion that residents have been promised for generations?
I will continue to engage with those developing these proposals and ensure that the views of local residents are heard as discussions progress. Any scheme must work for our communities, improve local quality of life and support the long-term prosperity of our region.
You can read more about the proposal in the Manchester Evening News article below:
Further reading:
https://www.manchestereveningnews.co.uk/news/greater-manchester-news/manchester-sheffield-underground-dual-carriageway-34282374