20 June 2001
Test drilling
begins for New Tyne Crossing
Work has begun on drilling boreholes in Jarrow and Howdon as part of ongoing investigations of ground conditions for the New Tyne Crossing.
In Jarrow, two boreholes are being drilled between the A19 and Epinay Walk - the site of one of the two interchange options being considered in the area. Work is expected to be completed this week.
In Howdon, two landfill sites adjacent to the A19 are being tested for their suitability for the temporary storing of soil and sediment removed during construction. Work will take up to four weeks.
Further information on the proposed new interchanges in South Tyneside and materials storage locations will be available at exhibitions to be held next month. Details will be published soon.
Issued on behalf of the Arup-led consortium advising Tyne and Wear Passenger Transport Authority by Bradley O¹Mahoney Public Relations.
Contact Richard Simpson or Clare Maxwell on (0191) 281 8833.
Note to editors: The £120 million New Tyne Crossing will be of two-lane immersed tube construction built just to the east of the existing vehicle tunnel between Howdon and Jarrow.
It will be designed, built and funded by a private-sector consortium which will also operate all the tunnels once it is appointed.
A
Public Inquiry is expected in the spring or summer of 2002 with construction
beginning in early 2004. The new tunnel, which will carry southbound traffic,
is expected to be completed by the end of 2006.