Queensbury Tunnel has been the focus of considerable media attention since Highways England attempted to circumvent planning regulations by tipping 1,500 tonnes of aggregate down one of its ventilation shafts under emergency powers. This was nothing short of ruthless vandalism, born out of frustration at the difficulties they’re encountering with their car-crash scheme to abandon the tunnel.
Thankfully the engineering advice we’re getting is that re-establishing the passageway beneath the shaft is practical and neither unduly difficult nor expensive, but it will take time and care.
Buy-in to our positive vision of the 1.4-mile long tunnel being restored as part of a strategically valuable active travel link between Bradford and Halifax is growing. Both Bradford and Calderdale councils back the idea enthusiastically whilst other relevant statutory bodies are becoming increasingly engaged. Unsurprisingly, we already enjoy widespread support amongst the sustainable transport and environmental communities.
What’s vital however is to ensure that Highways England’s planning application for the tunnel’s abandonment is rejected to prevent the opportunities presented by this grand Victorian structure being lost forever.
If you’ve not already done so, could we ask again that you OBJECT to the planning application and encourage friends, family and colleagues to do so. When asked to record your ‘Stance’, please make sure you select ‘OBJECT’.
To lodge your OBJECTion to the tunnel’s abandonment, please follow this link, then click ‘Make a Comment’.
Please act now to help save Queensbury Tunnel.