The current Tyne (vehicle) Tunnel was opened in 1967 and has been the responsibility of the TWPTA since April 1986.  The tunnel was designed to provide a combined two-way capacity of 25,000 vehicles per day (vpd).  On opening, the recorded flows through the tunnel were 5,000 vpd.  This figure has since grown steadily and recent data indicates that approximately 38,000 vpd now use the tunnel.  This daily flow is far above the original design capacity, and long queues and congestion occur at peak times.  Many of the vehicles that use the existing tunnel are undertaking local journeys.  Some 70% of traffic comes from, and goes to, destinations less than seven miles from the tunnel.  Current traffic growth predictions indicate that the congestion will continue to worsen.  In turn, this may continue to inhibit economic growth and contribute to deterioration in environmental quality in the vicinity of the tunnel entrances (portals) and the approach roads.

Various transport planning studies have been undertaken in the Tyne and Wear area over the last 20 years.  These studies have consistently confirmed a growing need to provide additional capacity for vehicles crossing the River Tyne.  The decision to meet this need by construction a New Tyne Crossing adjacent to the existing Tyne Tunnel was take by the TWPTA following economic, environmental and engineering feasibility appraisals of a range of options which included different types of bridges and tunnels.  The final decision concerning the type of crossing took account of many factors including technical feasibility, environmental impacts, costs and disruption to the communities of East Howdon and Jarrow.  The bridge option was rejected because of its visual impact and concerns that it could have interfered with navigation on the River Tyne, including oil rig structures constructed at the shipyards upstream. Two methods of tunnel construction were considered – a bored tunnel, similar to and parallel to the existing tunnel and an ‘immersed tube tunnel’, comprising pre-fabricated concrete sections positioned in a trench excavated in the river bed, in conjunction with ‘cut and cover’ approach tunnels on each side of the river.

Having balanced the relative environmental, economic, social and engineering benefits and disbenefits of both options the TWPTA resolved in May 2001 to apply for a TWA Order to authorise an immersed tube tunnel scheme.  This resolution was reaffirmed in February 2002. The Order was submitted in May 2002 and a Public Inquiry was held in March/April 2003.  The Secretary of State confirmed the Orders on 21 July 2005. A Challenge to the decision was heard in the High Court in April 2006, and the judgement rejecting the Challenge was handed down on 5th May 2006.  Bidding for the Concession contract to design, build, finance and operate the New Tyne Crossing began on 8 February 2006.  Works are expected to start late 2007 and the new tunnel (and modifications to the existing tunnel) would then be complete early 2011.  The pedestrian and cycle tunnels are unaffected and will remain open – and free – for use during and after the construction of the new tunnel.

Further information can be obtained from:-  www.newtynecrossing.info