THE NEW TYNE CROSSING



Ecology and Nature Conservation

Two non-statutory wildlife sites are present on the north bank of the Tyne - the River Tyne Entrance SNCI (Site of Nature Conservation Interest) at the mouth of the River Tyne, and another SNCI at Willington Gut upstream of the tunnels. In addition, there is a site of local conservation interest at Northumberland Dock. These sites should not be affected directly or indirectly by the works.


 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

On the south side, two non-statutory sites occur in close proximity to the proposed alignment of the tunnel approach roads. Both of these sites are located immediately to the east of the proposed scheme and are associated with the River Don. They are known as Jarrow Slake and the River Don Saltmarsh and are Sites of Nature Conservation Interest. Both are protected through local planning policies. They are locally rare habitats and potentially susceptible to disturbance. These sites would not be directly impacted by the works, and potential indirect effects, such as disturbance of wildfowl during construction, are considered to be of minor significance and temporary. Pollution prevention measures will be implemented during construction and operation to protect these and other surface water features from spillages and highway drainage. A further two sites of local importance are located at Straker Street and Cemetery Road. Neither are protected by local planning policies. Both sites are closely associated with the River Don corridor and lie immediately adjacent to the A19 south of the tunnel. Neither of these sites will be affected by the scheme. In addition to the above designations, the River Tyne itself is noted as a Strategic Wildlife Corridor within the Tyne and Wear Nature Conservation Strategy. The River Don corridor is also a locally important corridor allowing the movement of wildlife through the Jarrow area. There is a risk of temporary, reversible effects on the Tyne, particularly at Howdon Yard during construction of the immersed tube sections and during the dredging operations. An ecology strategy for the New Tyne Crossing will be developed at the detailed design stage, not only to protect existing species and habitats, but also to enhance where possible the wildlife value of the area surrounding the works.