Big players target Newcastle tunnel

by Brian Warner

Contractors are eyeing what is set to be only the fourth major immersed tube tunnel to be built in Britain and Ireland.

Industry big guns such as Balfour Beatty, Carillion, Amec, Skanska and the HBG Group are likely to get themselves into consortia to pitch for a £140m private finance tunnel deal under the River Tyne at Newcastle.

A spokeswoman for Arup, the project's consultant engineer, said the deal will be advertised in the OJEC during mid- to late autumn this year if the government gives the controversial project the green light next month.

The plan is to let the contract as a finance, build and operate deal with work starting on site in spring 2004 for an opening in May 2007.

The project involves a 1.6km tunnel to the east of the city centre between Howdon on the north bank of the Tyne and Jarrow on south Tyneside.

The scheme is aimed at easing traffic pressure on the Tyne's present tunnel, opened in 1967.

However, the Tyne and Wear Passenger Transport Authority (PTA) project will be delayed if Deputy Prime Minister John Prescott decides on a public inquiry; a ruling is expected on 20 September.

Environmentalists are pressing for an inquiry, arguing that the impact of an immersed tube tunnel, although about £20m cheaper than the bored alternative, would have a greater detrimental impact.

The PTA is arguing that the environmental damage can be minimised by careful design and management during the construction process.