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The diagram below gives a clear picture
of the timescales involved in completion of the New Tyne Crossing. At
present we are at the project review stage. Once this is completed there
are various statutory processes that need to be gone through including
a possible Public Inquiry in October 2001. At the same time that the statutory
processes take place, tenders will be invited for the appointment of the
Concessionaire. It is expected that the successful bidder will be appointed
at the end of 2002. The winner will then complete their detailed designs.
This will be immediately followed by the construction of the tunnel which
is expected to take two and a half years, with completion expected in
November 2005.
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The Proposal The Tyne & Wear Passenger Transport Authority (PTA) in partnership with both North and South Tyneside Councils is proposing to build a new Tyne Crossing adjacent to the existing vehicle tunnel. Unlike the original tunnel which was bored beneath the river bed, it is proposed that the new tunnel be constructed in the bed of the River Tyne as an immersed tube. This technique is being used more and more often around the world because of its good safety record, speed of construction and affordability. The tube sections will be constructed in a dry dock then floated into position on the river, where they are lowered into a trench in the river bed. |