Historic tunnel on possible Leeds-Bradford tram route opened after decades behind gates
The former rail line could form part of the planned tram system
A disused rail tunnel that has been gated off for over two decades has been opened to the public for the first time.
The Greenside Tunnel sits between Tyersal and Pudsey, and was closed in the 1960s as part of sweeping changes to the country’s rail system.
There have been calls for the structure to be re-opened as a public greenway, and it could soon become hugely significant for the region – the former rail line has been touted as one possible route for the planned tram system linking Bradford with Leeds.
This weekend, the 616 yard Victorian tunnel opened its gates to the public for the first time in 20 years as part of the national Heritage Open Day celebrations.
Unlike some disused rail infrastructure, the Greenside Tunnel remains in a fair condition, meaning people were able to walk through the route.
The event has been organised by Greenside Greenway, a charity set up to restore the tunnel into a working transport corridor.
If it re-opened as a greenway it would provide a walking and cycling link between Pudsey and Bradford, then on to the Spen Valley Greenway.
But another plan could see the old rail line and tunnel used as a route for West Yorkshire’s proposed Mass Transit system.
A Strategic Outline Case for mass transit – expected to be a tram line – will be submitted by West Yorkshire Combined Authority later this year.
But one proposed route between Leeds and Bradford would make use of the old rail line – and possibly the Greenside tunnel.
Gary Lemal, of Greenside Greenway, said: “It has been over 20 years since gates were put up on the tunnel.
“The rail line closed in 1964, but since then people used it as a route on the way to the woods.”
The gates were installed due to a national policy to close off historic rail estates.
But despite this, Mr Lemal says the tunnel remains in good condition for a Victorian structure.
Talking about the group’s aims, he said: “We’d like the tunnel and the old rail line to be re-opened as a greenway.
“It could be upgraded so people can travel the whole route and connect with the Spen Valley Greenway and the Leeds Bradford Supercycle highway. We’d love people to be using it again.”
The tunnel was open between 2pm and 4pm on Saturday and Sunday.