5 reasons why the Woodhead Tunnel shouldn’t be used for cabling

1. It makes sense in Climate Change terms
The Woodhead line could save 100,000 tons of CO2 emissions per year by carrying freight that would otherwise go by road. The gradient on the line means a carbon neutral system of regenerative braking power can be used.

2. It would be simple to do
Not only is there a clear demand for a trans-Pennine rail link but much of the track infrastructure still exists. All that is needed is the will to make it happen.

3. It would be cheap
Re-opening the rail-freight link would cost an estimated £139m– an amount that will be re-couped in just one year of operation.

4. There are simple alternatives open to National Grid
National Grid is a multi-million pound company which can afford to seek an alternative solution, such as refurbishing the existing smaller (Victorian era) tunnel at Woodhead. It’s the least they can do considering their significant carbon footprint.

5. Re-opening the line will benefit everyone
Another Manchester-Sheffield line will transfer freight from road to rail and create a passenger line that would take people from Hadfield-Sheffield in just 15 minutes.

Good for the environment, good for the local economy.