Boris Johnson’s cherished dream of a bridge or tunnel from Scotland to Northern Ireland looks set to be shelved.
Today’s review concluded that the project would prove to be both too expensive and technically difficult.
Sir Peter Hendy is the chairman of Network Rail and was requested by the Prime Minister in order to conduct a feasibility analysis. However, it seems that this plan has been ruled out for the future.
Sources say this was due to the technical challenge and huge expense – estimated at £24 billion.
Sir Peter Hendy is the Network Rail Chairman. The Prime Minister asked him to conduct a feasibility report. However, it seems that he has decided against such an initiative in the future.
As part of the Union Connectivity Review study, the bridge and tunnel concept was investigated. This review examined how to improve transport links between four UK countries.
According to the report, there will be an option for a future fixed link linking Northern Ireland with Scotland.
It will also recommend boosting capacity on the West Coast Main Line rail link from London to Glasgow, and upgrading the A75, the road to Scotland’s west coast and the Northern Ireland ferry ports.
It will be encouraged to improve road and railway infrastructure between England and Wales.
The PM stated last night that he would accept the recommendation to establish UKNET. This new body will include representatives of the four countries and help to identify and map cross-border connections.
Henri Murison of the Northern Powerhouse Partnership commented: ‘With the Boris Bridge to Northern Ireland back in the cereal box it came in, it is time to focus on infrastructure projects which have a strong economic case, such as a new line across the Pennines all the way from Manchester to Leeds via Bradford.’