Woodhead Tunnels remain viable option for trans-Pennine rail link

27th October 2008

The Northern Way is today (27 October 2008) publishing a paper that describes what would need to be done to keep open the option of bringing the disused Woodhead rail route between Hadfield and Penistone in the Peak District back into rail use.

Previously, the Northern Way has identified that to support the North's economic growth additional trans-Pennine rail capacity will be needed for passengers and freight. The re-use of the Woodhead route is one of the options that should be considered.

The paper counters suggestions that National Grid's work to relocate high voltage power cables in the tunnels precludes the option of them being re-used for rail services in the future.

John Jarvis, Northern Way Transport Director, said:

"We're going to need additional trans-Pennine rail capacity. To make sure we get the optimum solution, it's essential that all options for making this a reality remain open."

History of the Woodhead Tunnels

• The route is made up of three tunnels between Dunford Bridge in the East and Woodhead in the West.
• Two are Victorian tunnels dating from the 19^th Century and are referred to as the North Tunnel and the South Tunnel.
• The third was built by British Rail in 1954 and is referred to as the BR Tunnel.
• They formed part of the now disused Woodhead route linking Manchester to Sheffield and beyond.
• High voltage electricity transmission cables were installed in the North Tunnel in the early sixties, and associated equipment was installed in the South Tunnel.
• After the Woodhead rail route closed in 1981, the BR Tunnel was also bought by National Grid's predecessor.

Current status and the National Grid work

• Both the North and South Victorian tunnels are in a poor state of repair.
• Using its permitted development rights, National Grid is in the process of transferring the electricity cables to the BR Tunnel, with work due to be completed in 2011.
• The existing electricity cables are close to the end of their life and the move allows the cables to be replaced without an extended interruption of electricity supply.
• National Grid's intention is secure the North and South Tunnels on completion of the cable work, and to carry out no further maintenance inspections, although they have agreed to discuss how access to the tunnels can be maintained for future inspection purposes.
• Maintenance of the BR Tunnel will continue as part of National Grid's ongoing management regime following installation of electricity cables.

The options for future rail use of the tunnels

• Subject to physical improvements to meet modern standards, the BR Tunnel has the potential to be used as a route for both passenger and freight transport.
• However, the BR Tunnel cannot be used for both rail transport and National Grid cables, which means the cables would need to be moved.
• An inspection and maintenance regime to keep the North and South Tunnels in basic order would keep open the option that these tunnels could be renovated and re-used in future for the electricity cables.

John Jarvis continued:

"A decision will not need to be reached about a future care and maintenance regime for the Victorian Woodhead Tunnels until 2011 when National Grid's work to move the cables into the BR Tunnel is expected to be complete.

"It is also clear that National Grid's on-going work to relocate the cables will not preclude the option of the BR Tunnel being re-used for rail services at some stage in the future and we welcome the assurances that National Grid and the Department for Transport Ministers have given to this effect."

ENDS

Media contacts:

Mark Fuller

Linstock Communications

T: 020 7089 2089

M: 07952 286 223

mark@linstockcommunications.com

Nicola Hughes
The Northern Way

T: 0191 229 6752
M: 07771 805 949
nicola.hughes@thenorthernway.co.uk

Notes for editors

The Woodhead Tunnels briefing paper is available for download on the Northern Way website at http://www.thenorthernway.co.uk/document.asp?id=625

The Northern Way is a unique initiative, bringing together the cities and regions of the North of England to work together to improve the sustainable economic development of the North towards the level of more prosperous regions.

Formed as a partnership between the three northern Regional Development Agencies (Yorkshire Forward, Northwest Regional Development Agency and One NorthEast), we also work with local authorities, universities, the private sector and other partners to secure a strong coalition in support of this goal. The Northern Way aims to influence policy and delivery at a local, city region, regional and national level, to join up thinking and encourage collaboration.