The new vehicle tunnel carries traffic heading south from the A19. There is a new toll plaza at the north end of the tunnel on the southbound carriageway. A bus-only lane allows buses to bypass the southbound toll plaza.
The existing roundabout at the north entrance to the tunnel has been removed. For traffic travelling south, the most southerly access to the Tyne Tunnel is from the A193, via the A19. There is no direct access from Tyne View Terrace.
One of the challenges faced during construction on the North approach has been the necessary protection or diversion of numerous utility services. Electric, gas, telecommunications, water and sewerage connections pass through the construction corridor and have all had to be protected or diverted during construction.
Furthermore, the new vehicle tunnel has also passed over the top of the existing vehicle tunnel.
During construction careful management of the land and associated pressure above the existing tunnel has been implemented to ensure that construction of the new tunnel does not cause damage to the existing tunnel. Constant monitoring of the impacts on the existing tunnel has taken place during this part of the programme. Movement of the existing tunnel has been well within acceptable parameters during construction of the new tunnel.