Transportation studies in the 1980s and
early 1990s noted that the central river
crossings such as the Tyne Bridge were
at or approaching capacity and that the
construction of the Western Bypass
would not provide lasting relief.
An analysis of the origins and
destinations of traffic crossing the
Tyne indicated that any new crossing
should be located to the east of the
Tyne Bridge, in order best to meet
local demand patterns and social
inclusion objectives.

Subsequently, a site selection study was
undertaken along the river corridor
between the Tyne Bridge and Tynemouth.
In considering locations downstream of the
Tyne Bridge where a new crossing could be accommodated, several important factors
were considered:

• avoidance of major severance
  of communities;
• minimisation of other adverse environmental effects; and
• the need to connect sensibly with the existing main road network.

The study concluded that there were few sites east of the Tyne Bridge where it would be possible to construct a new river crossing.

The suitability of several locations and types
of crossing was examined. Four location
options were considered:

• St Lawrence ('Spillers')
• St Anthony's
• Walker
• St Bede's, in the vicinity of the existing
  Tyne Tunnels.

Five separate assessments were undertaken
(one for each of the locations and an
additional public transport option) to establish
the relative performance of each option
against the following criteria:

• the performance of the scheme in
  satisfying traffic demands, and in linking satisfactorily with the existing road network;
• the social and economic benefits and costs of the scheme, by reference to the local economy, improved development
  potential, new job opportunities, and land
  value enhancement;
• the environmental consequences of
  construction and operation; and
• the engineering feasibility, operational
  issues (e.g. navigation on the Tyne),
  capital costs and revenues, and possible
  funding methods.

The study also reviewed options to manage
traffic growth, rather than increase capacity
on the local road network by, for example,
traffic restraint measures and improvements
to public transport.

On completion of this study, it was concluded
that, on balance, the existing Tyne Tunnel site
at St Bede's offered the most suitable location
for the New Tyne Crossing.