2019 was a year of ups and downs for our campaign to repurpose Queensbury Tunnel as an active travel route. We very much hope 2020 follows a consistently positive trajectory.
It's got off to a good start with Grant Shapps, the Secretary of State for Transport, agreeing to pay us a visit. In a recent media statement, he made clear that the Department for Transport is "committed to trying to find a viable way forward for this project." They have even recognised the tunnel's strategic value - that's a cause for cautious optimism.
As we reported in a previous update, the West Yorkshire Combined Authority has submitted a £23M bid to the Transforming Cities Fund, seeking to secure the money needed to deliver the scheme. It would be a good investment, returning £2.31 for every £1 spent - that's better than HS2!
Despite this, Highways England, who manage Queensbury Tunnel on the DfT's behalf, is refusing to pause abandonment plans whilst a decision is made on its future. For that reason, we must again ask you to join the 5,700 people who have already lodged OBJECTions to their plans. You can do this by visiting...
...then click 'Make a Comment'. Please remember to record your 'Stance' as 'OBJECT'.
A fabulous vlog has just been published about the tunnel and the ups, downs, ins and outs of our campaign to save it. It's a really engaging watch - running 20 minutes - and makes a compelling case for repurposing. It's the only option that makes any sense.
Queensbury Tunnel is an asset which could deliver considerable social, economic and tourism benefit for generations to come. We can't afford to lose it.
Thanks again for all your support.