During construction, airborne dust could be released from demolition activities, cut and cover excavations, vehicle haul routes, material stockpiles and batching plants at site compounds.

After the New Tyne Crossing opens, tunnel traffic would emit exhaust fumes which will influence local air quality and contribute to wider environmental effects.

Surveys of existing air quality have measured concentrations of traffic pollutants at locations in Howdon and Jarrow. The results of this survey and the traffic study have been incorporated into an air quality model. This has been used to predict the air quality effects of the scheme on nearby residential properties and community facilities, and at the tunnel portals where there would be less queuing and congestion. The results of the exercise have been compared against relevant national standards.

There are various dust-sensitive location within 250m of the construction area. St. Bede’s and Dunn Street Schools in Jarrow are considered to be the only particularly sensitive properties within 100m of the construction area. Both are located next to the proposed cut and cover excavation.

In particular, houses in Jarrow at the south portal and the Community Centre could be potentially affected by the cut and cover excavations. To avoid the risk of dust depositing at these and other premises appropriate dust reduction measures would need to be adopted. This would be achieved through a Code of Construction Practice.

When the New Tyne Crossing is in operation, air quality would not be significantly different from what it is now. The scheme would not result in any national statutory air quality objectives being breached.