Pensioner forced to use costly tunnel for home access

A 69-year-old pensioner in the UK faces an unusual situation due to a major road project. Brian Garlick lives next to the A417 Missing Link, a highway under construction. Because of the new road, he will need to access his home through a private tunnel that might cost around $12 million. Initially, a government agency, National Highways, planned to buy Garlick’s childhood home for $1.54 million. However, they later withdrew the offer, leaving him stuck until the highway is finished in 2027. The tunnel is meant to be the safest access point to his house once the road opens. It will be about 400 meters from his home, but further details about it are still being decided. Garlick currently lives in a trailer park with his dog. He must give 21 days' notice if he wants to access his house. He expressed his shock at the suggestion of building a tunnel, noting it seemed excessive at first. However, he realized there may be no other options available. The spokesperson for National Highways stated that an underpass had always been part of the plan for utility access and drainage. They explained that Garlick’s home was outside the designated area for purchase, which is why they could not buy it. Garlick criticized the way National Highways handled the situation. He mentioned he purchased a caravan himself to live in, while still having to pay bills for his house. He also noted he has not received any apologies from the agency. Since June, he has had no communication from them regarding his home situation.