MP MICK Clapham has criticised the Highways Agency for refusing to consider the reopening of the Woodhead tunnel as part of the forthcoming Mottram bypass inquiry.
The inquiry, which starts this month, will decide whether the controversial bypass goes ahead.
Studies from the Highways Agency show that Penistone will see a 30 per cent increase in traffic volume if the bypass is built, and campaigners hope that the government will implement measures to reduce the road's impact.
One of the campaigners’ most-favoured options is to reopen the Woodhead railway tunnel and use it as a ‘rolling highway’, in which trains will carry HGVs between Sheffield and Manchester.
Private company Translink UK was set up specifically to develop this multi-million pound plan, but they were told that the scheme could not be considered by the inquiry because the Highways Agency has no rail engineering expertise.
Barnsley West and Penistone MP Mr Clapham said: “I think it’s rather pathetic. If there is an alternative it is up to them (the Highways Agency) to ensure there is the expertise to evaluate it.”
Mr Clapham has written to the Department of Transport requesting that Translink’s proposal be included.
