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A team of archaeologists will begin digging along the line of the second Tyne vehicle tunnel on Monday (January 15) to see if they can find significant traces of the past.
Eight trenches around 10ft deep will be dug – six in Jarrow and two near East Howdon. The archaeologists, from Durham University, will have between six and eight weeks to find out what significant history, if any, lies hidden underground. There is a possibility that findings could add to the understanding of Jarrow at the time of Bede. This initial archaeological investigation is being carried out well in advance of work beginning on the New Tyne Crossing in 2008 to enable a full evaluation of any significant historical finds that occur, and to ensure that work on the second tunnel is not held up. The trenches in Jarrow will be dug in: - Land behind the existing Tyne Tunnel ventilation building, bounded by Ferry Street, Chaytor Street and Commercial Road.
- Land formerly occupied by St Peters Primary School (now demolished) bounded by Staple Road to the north and Commercial Road to the east.
- Land formerly occupied by housing (now demolished) bounded by Staple Street, Stanley Street and High Street.
Other pits will also be dug to the north of Chaytor Street. In North Tyneside they will be dug within the AMEC yard at Howdon Basin and just to the north-east of the roundabout near the entrance to the north portal of the existing tunnel. TWPTA vice chair Councillor Tom Hanson said: “It’s timely to do this now so the New Tyne Crossing can be delivered on time. It will be interesting to see what - if anything - we can discover of the history of this part of Tyneside as a result. I understand the excavations may well tell us more about the early industrial era of Jarrow and East Howdon.” Ends
Issued on behalf of the New Tyne Crossing by Bradley O’Mahoney Public Relations. Media contacts: Richard Simpson 01207 272162; 07821 537106. Felicity Amer 0191 281 8833. Richard Annis: University of Durham 0191 334 1121. Note to editors: Arrangements will be put in place to ensure public safety, including 24 hour security. The contractor will work normal hours and no work will take place on Sundays. All excavations will be appropriately fenced off to keep them safe. The archaeological investigation is a legal requirement placed upon the Tyne and Wear Passenger Transport Authority (TWPTA) by the Secretary of State for Transport when he gave the go-ahead for the New Tyne Crossing.
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