28 May 2002
Application to build New Tyne Crossing to be made this week
The application by Tyne and Wear Passenger Transport Authority (PTA) for the necessary powers to build the £139 million New Tyne Crossing will be made to the Secretary of State for Transport, Local Government and the Regions on Friday 31 May. This application is for a new vehicle tunnel between East Howdon and Jarrow.
The public and interested organisations will then have until 19 July to write letters of support or objection to the Secretary of State about the proposals.
It is expected that the Secretary of State will call a Public Inquiry into the scheme for later in the year, with his decision being announced in 2003. If the scheme is approved, the new tunnel could be open to traffic in 2007.
As part of its ongoing commitment to consultation, the PTA is making the copies of the full application available in town halls and public libraries around Tyne and Wear.
A series of public exhibitions will also be held in South Tyneside and North Tyneside from 14 to 21 June where experts will be on hand to answer questions.
A newsletter will be published and delivered to households in the local area providing details.
PTA deputy vice chair Coun Tom Hanson said: "Friday is a very important day in the development of the much-needed New Tyne Crossing.
"The congestion problems at the existing tunnel and other Tyne crossings are getting worse year-on-year as traffic volumes continue to increase. The New Tyne Crossing will give us the increased capacity to cope with demand well into the future.
"It is important that people who support the construction of the new tunnel write to the Secretary of State. Letters do have an impact and are taken notice of."
Issued on behalf of Arup, advisers to the PTA, by Bradley O'Mahoney Public Relations. Contact Richard Simpson on 0191 281 8833.
Note to editors:
The new 1.5 km-long tunnel will be built using a combination of immersed tube
technology and traditional 'cut and cover' methods.
It will be paid for by a consortium of businesses to be appointed following a tendering process early next year. Once appointed, the consortium will be responsible for the running of all the Tyne Tunnels, including the pedestrian and cycle tunnels, for around 30 years.
The existing vehicle tunnel has a designed capacity of 24,000 vehicles per day and is currently used by 35,000 vehicles per day. When the new tunnel is constructed the capacity for the joint tunnels will be 76000 vehicles per day. The forecast is for around 50,000 vehicles per day to be using the tunnel in 2031.