| 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. On April 12 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. When construction begins, in late 2007/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. It is hoped the New Tyne Crossing will fully open in 2011. The TWPTA is considering an option to part-fund the new tunnel through prudential borrowing. When the new tunnel opens, the existing vehicle tunnel will then be closed for between six and nine months for a major refurbishment. 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: [email protected]
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