| The Tyne and Wear Passenger Transport Authority (TWPTA) was granted the necessary powers by the Secretary of State for Transport in July 2005 to build a second vehicle tunnel alongside the existing Tyne Tunnel. The project to finance, design, build, maintain and operate the second tunnel is called the New Tyne Crossing. The TWPTA is working in partnership with North Tyneside and South Tyneside Councils to ensure the project is delivered with the minimum disruption to local communities. In November 2007, the TWPTA appointed a consortium of companies, Bouygues Travaux Publics, to finance, design and construct the New Tyne Crossing and to operate and maintain all the tunnels (including the pedestrian and cycle tunnels) under the river. The new tunnel will run under the River Tyne between East Howdon and Jarrow, and will complete the dualling of the A19 from its junction with the A1 in South East Northumberland to North Yorkshire. A second road tunnel has long been needed to reduce congestion, improve prospects for job and wealth creation, and provide substantially better safety for users. The New Tyne Crossing represents a £260 million investment in road infrastructure in Tyne & Wear. When construction begins, in early 2008, the New Tyne Crossing will be one of the largest construction projects in the UK. It will be constructed using immersed tube technology. Part of the New Tyne Crossing project involves refurbishing the existing vehicle tunnel and upgrading its safety features. The
scheme is entirely self-financing, with the capital costs for
construction of the crossing being jointly met by the TWPTA, the
Consortium and its lenders. Over the 30-year lifetime of the scheme,
TT2 (the Concessionaire) and its lenders will fund approximately two-thirds of the total
costs. The tolling structure going forward was announced on 27 September 2007.
Work
on the second vehicle tunnel is expected to start in spring 2008. The
new tunnel will open in 2010, at which point the existing tunnel will
be closed for refurbishment and safety works. Both tunnels are expected
to be fully operational late 2011. There is a model of the New Tyne Crossing at the Tyne Tunnel Offices. If you wish to view it please make an appointment by calling 0191 262 4451 and ask for Ron Henderson, Paul Myers or Anne Ward or email: info.tynetunnels@newcastle.gov.uk
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