Five routes for the proposed Trans-Pennine road tunnel linking Manchester and Sheffield have been revealed by the Department for Transport (DfT).

All of the routes join the M60 east of Manchester to the M1 north of Sheffield, with four options starting at the M67.

Transport Minister John Hayes said: "I want people in the north of England to benefit from quicker, more reliable journeys.


"We are already spending £15 billion on the biggest upgrade to the road network for generations.

"This next phase is aimed at creating more vital links, creating jobs and opportunities and helping hardworking families across the country feel the benefits of our investment."

John Cridland, Chairman of Transport for the North, said: "The study shows a tunnel beneath the Pennines would both boost the economy of the region, and potentially benefit the environment of the Peak District by reducing traffic in the national park.

"This is just one of the visionary projects Transport for the North is working on, as well as other schemes, such as Northern Powerhouse Rail, as we continue to develop a Transport & Investment Strategy to connect the North and transform its economy."

(CD/MH)