Sunderland Business Network - News Detail

From 05.00 hours on Saturday 11th July until 23.00 hours on Sunday 12th July the existing Tyne Tunnel will be closed to enable vital construction of the new south junction road bridges to take place.

The south junction of the New Tyne Crossing, once completed, will include a new loop road bridge providing a direct link for traffic from Jarrow and South Shields with the A19, and a replacement road bridge for the existing Howard Street bridge that crosses the vehicle tunnel in Jarrow.

The construction of these new road bridges requires numerous large and very heavy concrete beams to be lowered into place onto the pillars.

It is not safe for traffic to pass beneath these beams while the positioning operations take place and therefore part of this work will require a full tunnel closure.

The timing of the closure is dependent on several factors including meeting the complex Project programme (delaying this element of work could severely impact progress on other aspects of the construction programme) and avoiding the period of major road works planned on the A1 from 25th July.

During this activity, Howard Street bridge in Jarrow will also be closed. Localised traffic management plans are being drawn up and agreed with South Tyneside Council.

Note that the A19 will also be closed north of Silverlink during 11th – 12th July while the Highways Agency carries out work at Castle Park bridge (B1317). This activity has been planned to coincide with the tunnel closure in order to minimise disruption for motorists.

Drivers wishing to use the Tyne Tunnel are advised to use the Tyne Bridge or A1 Western Bypass during the closure.

From 23.00hours on Sunday 12th July normal operations will return at the Tyne Tunnel and it will be business as usual.

Further information is available at www.newtynecrossing.info or contact the 24 helpline on 0191 262 4451.

Submitted by: Sunderland Business Network