The proposed scheme involves the construction of a new crossing of the River Tyne by a two-lane immersed tube tunnel between East Howdon on the north bank and Jarrow on the south bank. It will also require the construction of a toll plaza and associated buildings on the north bank and a new interchange on the south bank of the river in the vicinity of Epinay Walk. This interchange will connect the local road system with the A19. The scheme also includes some enhancements for public transport.

Starting on the north side of the river in the vicinity of the existing Metro bridge, the proposed scheme would provide a new toll plaza for southbound traffic near to the East Howdon bypass. Toll booths would be provided along with offices, car parking and garage facilities for tunnel staff and vehicles. A vehicle inspection area would be provided and any vehicle prohibited from entering the tunnel would be directed to the East Howdon Bypass via a newly constructed access road.

The scheme would then extend south through an open cutting for a distance of approximately 650 metres as far as the tunnel entrance. At this point, the road would enter a cut and cover tunnel section, approximately 320 metres long which would extend as far as the river bank, where (Point A) it would connect with the immersed tube positioned within the river bed.

The immersed tube would extend for approximately 360 metres to the south bank of the river (Point B). From the south bank, a further cut and cover section would contain the tunnel for approximately 840 m as far as the tunnel portal (Point C). A new bridge carrying Howard Street will cross the new south tunnel portal.

From the southern portal, highway works would extend a further 400 metres south connecting with the A19 just south of the existing Metro bridge. The existing roundabout would be removed and the A19 would become a through route with slip roads on and off. The new junction would permit full access to and from the local road network.

Public transport would enter the tunnel from the north via a dedicated one way link from the northern roundabout (Howdon Road) of the East Howdon Bypass. Public transport will have dedicated facilities at the toll plazas and at local road connections.

The current toll plaza at the northern end of the existing tunnel would be re-configured to accommodate northbound traffic only.

The total length of the New Tyne Crossing project would be approximately 2.6 km long, with a main carriageway typically 7.3 metres wide with a speed limit of 40 miles per hour. The tunnel itself would be 1.5km in length.

The new tunnel will carry all southbound traffic, and the existing tunnel will carry all northbound traffic during normal operations. The two tunnels would enable maintenance work to be carried in a safer manner in future and with less disruption to users.

Howdon Yard and Basin