 Construction of the New Tyne Crossing begins in spring 2008. The second vehicle tunnel should be completed by December 2010 at which point the existing vehicle tunnel will close for refurbishment. The crossing should be fully operational in December 2011.
The New Tyne Crossing will involve the construction of a new two-lane, immersed tube tunnel under the River Tyne between East Howdon on the north bank and Jarrow on the south bank. It will also require the construction of a new toll plaza and associated buildings on the north bank and a new interchange on the south bank of the river south of Howard Street.This interchange will connect the local road system with the A19. The scheme also includes some enhancements for public transport. The total length of the New Tyne Crossing project will be approximately 2.6 km with a main carriageway typically 7.3 metres wide with a speed limit of 30 miles per hour. The tunnel itself will be 1.5km in length. The new tunnel will carry all southbound traffic and the existing tunnel will carry all northbound traffic during normal operations. The two tunnels will enable maintenance work to be carried in a safer manner in future and with less disruption to users. All work during the construction period will be subject to a Construction Code of Practice to ensure the impact of the work on local people is kept to a minimum.
|
