North of the river, a new toll plaza will be constructed largely within the existing cutting containing the A19. The new structures would be effectively screened from the adjacent residential area, but the associated lighting masts may be visible.

The existing roundabout on the approach to the Tyne Tunnel will be removed. There will be no access for cars and HGVs to the tunnels from the East Howdon Bypass. Public transport, however, will be allowed access to the tunnel from the Bypass, thus avoiding the toll booths.

There will also be a new vehicle inspection area created to monitor particularly heavy goods vehicles wishing to use the southbound tunnel. Those vehicles turned away will exit via a new service road linking to the East Howdon bypass.

The north tunnel entrance would be located to the south west of Brinkburn Street. Between Brinkburn Street and the East Howdon Bypass, there is an area of planting which currently forms an effective visual screen. Construction of the tunnel would not affect this planting.

However, the existing planting between the East Howdon Bypass and the A19 would be removed, but would be reinstated as far as possible on completion.

Land use along the north bank of the river is predominantly industrial. Although demolition of business premises would be required at Howdon Basin, this would be a relatively minor adverse townscape effect because of the poor character of the existing buildings. There will be a net overall loss of a small area of open space as a result of the scheme.

During construction, a definitive Right of Way across land to the north east of the new toll plaza will be re-routed. A second definitive Right of Way adjacent to the southbound A19 will be permanently closed. At Tyne View Terrace motorists, pedestrians and cyclists will be affected by severance during construction. A temporary bridge will be provided and the street will be reinstated on completion.

Excavations of the cut and cover section of the new tunnel on the north bank of the river will reach a maximum of 20 metres deep.