The TWPTA will ensure that TT2 not only constructs the new tunnel in accordance with the concession document, but also operates and maintains all of the tunnels appropriately.  It will also control the toll which the Concessionaire levies.

The TWPTA will receive the tunnels back in good order at the end of the concession period.  This is expected to be around 30 years from the appointment of the Concessionaire.

As soon as the new vehicle tunnel is opened, the existing tunnel will be closed for around a year to allow new safety features to be installed. These will include the installation of a fire suppression system that will make the Tyne vehicle tunnels amongst the safest in the World.

For the duration of these works, traffic travelling in both directions would use the new tunnel.

The toll plaza areas will also be designed to facilitate bi-directional traffic during times of planned major maintenance to each of the two vehicle tunnels.