At least 223 holes will be drilled or dug in East Howdon and Jarrow and the ground samples analysed. Investigations will also take place in the River Tyne itself.

The work is being managed by New Tyne Crossing Preferred Bidder Bouygues Travaux Publics with the agreement of the Tyne and Wear Passenger Transport Authority (TWPTA) and local councils.

Paul Fenwick, TWPTA project director for the New Tyne Crossing, said: "This work will take place over six to eight weeks but each hole will be drilled or dug and covered usually within three days.

"Local residents will be able to see drilling rigs and there may be some noise if contractors encounter rock.

"Contractors will follow a strict code of practice. Only in exceptional circumstances will drilling take place outside the hours 8am and 6pm, Monday to Friday. They must also work considerately, leaving their drilling sites secure and clean, and keeping dust and noise to a minimum.

"We have told local people about the works and have set up a Helpline via the Tyne Tunnels switchboard (0191 262 4451 Option 3) for anyone who has queries about the work or who need to raise concerns."

There will be no need for drilling operatives to gain access to households during these works and no road closures are anticipated.

Local schools have been contacted with information outlining the dangers to children of playing near the holes whilst work is taking place.

Issued on behalf of the TWPTA by Bradley O'Mahoney Public Relations. Media contacts Richard Simpson 01207 272162/07821 537106 or Felicity Amer 0191 281 8833.

Notes to editors:

1. The New Tyne Crossing is the project to finance, design, build, operate and maintain a second vehicle tunnel linking the A19 under the River Tyne between East Howdon (North Tyneside) and Jarrow (South Tyneside) and to operate and maintain the existing vehicle, pedestrian and cycle tunnels for a concessionary period of 30 years.
2. The Preferred Bidder for the project is Bouygues Travaux Publics who were appointed following a competitive tender on 23 April 2007. Subject to final contract, Bouygues TP will be appointed Concessionaire later this year.
3. The New Tyne Crossing will be an immersed tube tunnel. Construction is expected to start in spring 2008 with the new tunnel scheduled to open in late 2010. At that point the existing tunnel will close for a major refurbishment. Both tunnels will be open to traffic in 2011.