£2bn Manchester-Sheffield tunnel gets funding boost

Future Works Infrastructure’s Trans-Pennine Connect has received £500,000 from the UK Dynamism Fund – money that will go towards feasibility studies for the 14-mile dual-carriageway.

Trans-Pennine Connect would change up the country’s infrastructure delivery model. Rather than relying on Westminster funding, it would charge a toll and would be treated as an investment opportunity for local authorities, pension funds, or other private investors.

In addition to its flagship tunnel, Trans-Pennine Connect could restore part of the Peak District National Park’s moorland and restore the historic Woodhead rail line. Current estimates from Future Works put the price of the scheme at £2bn.

Michael Dnes, co-founder of Future Works, welcomed the backing of UK Dynamism Fund.

“We’re very excited to be working with UK Dynamism Fund to unlock the next stage of our project,” he said.

“This funding will let us complete the technical and environmental feasibility studies needed to get the right outcomes for people and the Peak District as we deliver better transport connections across the Pennines.”

Trans-Pennine Connect is far from the first time a tunnel between Manchester and Sheffield has been floated. The government has been exploring the possibility since 2015; however, it priced such a scheme at £10.6bn.

Future Works’ version would be £8bn cheaper, thanks to using a drill and blast method rather than the traditional boring machine one. Drill and blast is the preferred modus operandi in Norway, which has similar geology to the Pennines.

When Future Works’ project was proposed in July, the company was targeting a start on construction before the end of 2030.