The UK Government has shortlisted five routes for the Trans-Pennine tunnel, a road scheme considered to be the most ambitious project taken up in the last fifty years.

The government initiated a study for the Trans-Pennine tunnel in autumn last year, which aimed to address the challenges faced by the road network.

UK Transport Minister John Hayes said: “I want people in the north of England to benefit from quicker, more reliable journeys.

"The study indicated that the tunnel could provide safer, faster and more reliable journeys for motorists."

“Today’s study brings us a step closer to building a Trans-Pennine roads tunnel, it would be the most ambitious project since the construction of the first motorways 50 years ago.

“We are already spending £15 billion on the biggest upgrade to the road network for generations.

"This next phase is aimed at creating more vital links, creating jobs and opportunities and helping hardworking families across the country feel the benefits of our investment.”

The study indicated that the tunnel could provide safer, faster and more reliable journeys for motorists.

The tunnel between Manchester and Sheffield could reduce the journey times between the two cities.

All five routes join the M60 east of Manchester to the M1 north of Sheffield, with four options starting at the M67, and will see journeys time reduced by 30 minutes.

The tunnel has the potential to provide an economic boost to the two cities and the surrounding area.

The study is part of the government’s next phase of road improvements, which will get underway from 2020.

In the final phase of the study, which is expected to be completed by the end of 2016, the strategic and economic cases for each option will be assessed.

The current Road Investment Strategy period covers 2015 to 2020.