asked Her Majesty's Government:

Whether they will ensure that the Woodhead Tunnel is maintained in such a way that it could be reopened as part of any future expansion of the passenger and freight rail network. [HL1526]

National Grid is installing a new transmission in the newer Woodhead Tunnel and this will need to be maintained to an appropriate standard. The older Woodhead tunnels will be sealed. National Grid's proposal would not preclude future consideration of reopening the route for rail use.