Queensbury Tunnel Greenway
Queensbury Tunnel is a 1.4-mile-long masonry and brick arch former railway tunnel, passing under the village of Queensbury, Bradford, with the southern portal in Holmfield, northern Halifax and the northern portal just off the Great Northern Railway Trail, near the foot of Station Road.
The viability of Queensbury Tunnel as a possible cycling and walking route has been a point of focus for campaign groups, Highways England’s (now National Highways) Historical Railways Estate and national and local government for a number of years.
The Secretary of State for Transport announced funding towards a package of studies to be undertaken into the potential for retaining Queensbury Tunnel for use within a network of cycling and walking routes.
Feasibility study
We commissioned this study to investigate the viability of bringing Queensbury Tunnel (the Tunnel) into use for walking, wheeling and cycling as part of a network of active travel routes.
The study presents three possible routes between Keighley, Halifax, and Bradford, each developed to concept design level. For each route, options incorporating and excluding the Tunnel have been compared. Routes excluding the tunnel are termed the ‘Alpine Option’.
There are therefore six routes in total:
- Most Advantageous and Attractive: Tunnel Option
- Most Advantageous and Attractive: Alpine Option
- Next Preferred: Tunnel Option
- Next Preferred: Alpine Option
- Low Cost Alternative: Tunnel Option
- Low Cost Alternative: Alpine Option
Queensbury Tunnel Feasibility Study (Sustrans)
- Queensbury Tunnel Feasibility Study - Executive summary.pdf (114 Kb)
- Queensbury Tunnel Feasibility Study.pdf (5 Mb)
- Appendix A - Corridor Alignment Appraisal.pdf (226 Kb)
- Appendix B - Preferred Route Alignments.pdf (9 Mb)
- Appendix C - General Arrangement Drawings.pdf (22 Mb)
- Appendix D - Designers risk register.pdf (31 Kb)
- Appendix E - Cost estimates and design schedule.xlsx (247 Kb)
- Appendix F - Project Risk Register.xlsx (40 Kb)
- Appendix G - Queensbury Ecological Constraint Maps.pdf (1 Mb)
- Appendix G - Queensbury Ecological Constraints.xlsx (42 Kb)
- Appendix I - Design Decision Log.xlsx (45 Kb)
- Appendix J - Economic Analysis.pdf (2 Mb)
Queensbury Tunnel Study (Jacobs)
Frequently asked questions about the Queensbury Tunnel report
Why was this report produced?
This study was commissioned by City of Bradford Metropolitan District Council to investigate the viability of bringing Queensbury Tunnel (the Tunnel) into use for walking, wheeling and cycling as part of a network of active travel routes.
Why has it taken so long to produce the report?
Drafting the report required innovative economic analysis and close working between all partners. This also required extensive research due to lack on comparable schemes.
Who was selected to write the report and why?
Sustrans were appointed to undertake the feasibility study as they had previously undertaken an assessment of the potential opportunities for connectivity into the wider cycle network in June 2017.
If the scheme has a positive BCR, when will it be funded?
Whilst a scheme may have a positive BCR outcome, it is important to note that all highways’ schemes need to be prioritised on a number of criteria across West Yorkshire. It is also important to note that some funding that is made available from central government is also required to meet specific outcomes. Finding the correct finding pot to progress the scheme may take time. The authority also must understand the risks and costs involved in taking on a structure of its size during times that local authorities are under such financial pressures
How accurate is the cost of this scheme?
The routes looked at have been developed to conceptual design, therefor the costs are not in line with all the risks that may come to the fore during detailed design. It is also important to note that the costs will also increase in line with inflation and other market factors.
What is the status of the cycle routes proposed in Calderdale that link to Queensbury Tunnel?
Feasibility work has been undertaken to assess potential options to connect the tunnel to the active travel network in Halifax. Whilst the environment of the tunnel mouth and immediate surrounds will be challenging, not least thanks to the fact that steep inclines are unavoidable, there are nearby options for connectivity to wider investments in active travel infrastructure.
What is the current condition of the tunnel?
In 2021, work was completed on the bases of Queensbury Tunnel’s construction shafts to ensure the safety of the people and properties above. There had been two significant collapses of the tunnel lining between construction shafts 3 and 4. The technical report outlines options for replacing and strengthening the tunnel lining. However, it's important to note that this report was completed in 2021. While we believe there is no immediate risk of further collapse, the condition of the tunnel lining continues to deteriorate.
What, if any, are the issues with flooding in the tunnel and will this result in an ongoing reduction in the condition of the tunnel?
Past and current flooding in the tunnel has and continues to soften the mortar. The water levels rise and fall depending on the weather conditions and the sections of brickwork and stonework between high water and low water levels suffer the most from washout of the joints. This is like the effects of a boat's wake, but occurring at much slower speeds.