To ask Her Majesty’s Government why they are considering the use of high voltage power cables in the Woodhead rail tunnel, when overhead transmission lines are used for the scenic part of the valley.
Answered on
10 February 2015
The high voltage electricity line between Thorpe Marsh near Doncaster and Stalybridge, which goes through the Woodhead tunnel, has been in place for many years and is owned and operated by National Grid. The line was originally consented in 1964 and a decision was made to use the Woodhead tunnel so that overhead lines did not cross the highest land on the route.
National Grid is currently undertaking necessary maintenance works on the overhead line.
Answered by
Department for Energy and Climate Change