Greater Manchester mayor Bev Craig has said journeys between the north‑west and cities such as Sheffield and Leeds “have to be made easier”, signalling renewed co‑operation between northern leaders over persistent east–west transport problems.
Why the discussion matters locally
Cobwebs of frustration over cross‑Pennine travel are familiar to commuters and freight operators alike. Road users travelling from Manchester to Sheffield frequently use the Snake Pass (A57) through the Peak District — a route of about 40 miles that can take an hour and a half or longer at busy times. Rail journeys vary by service, typically taking between 45 minutes and an hour on routes that also cross the national park.
What leaders say
Ms Craig told the Local Democracy Reporting Service she intends to work with Transport for the North and fellow mayors to identify “solutions” to make east–west travel better. She criticised the pace and reliability of train travel nationally and suggested mayors could be central to pushing for quicker journeys.
“I’ve been a long advocate of better east‑west connections… getting to Leeds, getting to Sheffield or Bradford has to be made easier,”
Tunnel proposal resurfaces
The comments come as campaigners behind a scheme called Future Works again floated a proposal for a 14‑mile tunnel beneath the Pennines linking Manchester and Sheffield. The group estimates the project would cost around £2bn. Similar ideas were examined about a decade ago as a way of cutting congestion and tightening links between Greater Manchester and South Yorkshire.
- Current road route: Snake Pass (A57), ~40 miles, often 90+ minutes in busy periods
- Typical rail time: around 45–60 minutes depending on service
- Tunnel proposal: 14 miles, estimated cost ~£2bn
| Mode | Typical time | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Road (Snake Pass A57) | ~90+ minutes | Subject to congestion and weather |
| Train | 45–60 minutes | Varies by service and reliability |
| Proposed tunnel | Not specified | 14 miles; Future Works estimate £2bn |
Ms Craig said she will be “getting stuck in” with regional partners over the coming weeks. For Sheffield residents, any progress could mean shorter, more reliable journeys across the Pennines — but at this stage the tunnel remains a proposal under renewed discussion rather than a funded project.
