Plans to construct a second road tunnel under the river Tyne in north east England have been opposed by local environmentalists who believe the tunnel would lead to increased traffic congestion, and noise and air pollution. Recent figures reveal that only 184 out of the 786 public representations supported the scheme.
Defending the project, the Tyne and Wear Passenger Transport Authority (PTA), which submitted an application for a second tunnel to the Secretary of State early this year, argues that traffic levels are increasing anyway, and that the current tunnel exceeds its design specifications. The tunnel was designed for a capacity of 25,000 vehicles per day (vpd), whereas 34,000 vpd now use the route.
The deputy prime minister is expected to call a public inquiry before the year end, with a decision announced before the end of 2003.
The proposed 1.52km long two-lane tunnel will consist of a 360m immersed tube, east of the existing Tyne tunnel, 1.16km of cut+cover either side of the river and 1.15km of associated highway. Four 90m long tunnel elements will probably be built in a newly constructed dry dock before being floated into position.
Expressions of interest will soon be invited with negotiations running to the end of 2003. The concessionaire, which could be chosen at the beginning of 2004, will be responsible for final design.
With a possible construction start date in spring 2004 the scheduled opening date for the tunnel is mid-2007.
The $212M DBFO scheme, if approved, will be financed using revenue raised from tolls collected on the existing and future tunnel.
