CONTRACTORS resumed "essential work" in Queensbury Tunnel today and will be on site for the next eight weeks. 

A Highways England spokesperson confirmed the works are taking place to strengthen three vulnerable locations.

They said: "We need to resume essential work in Queensbury Tunnel today to strengthen it at three vulnerable locations.

"The work does not prejudice any future plans to reopen the tunnel but, if we don’t do it, those plans might never be realised.

"The work will also provide a safe route to the remaining high-risk area in the tunnel where further strengthening work is essential."

There were two significant tunnel lining collapses in the tunnel in 2011 and 2013.

A lining collapse could cause a collapse of the ventilation shafts which emerge at ground level.

The current work involves applying sprayed concrete to the steel mesh previously installed at a number of tunnel shafts and other minor repairs.

​The Highways England spokesperson added: "This work will not prejudice ongoing discussions between Bradford Council and the tunnel owner, the Department for Transport.

"All our sites have strict safeguarding measures, in line with Public Health England guidance, to prevent the spread of COVID19."

This phase of safety work does not require planning permission.

Bradford Council and the Department for Transport have been informed about the nature of the safety works.