New Tyne Crossing nears green light

The Tyne and Wear Passenger Transport Authority (PTA) is confident that its plans for 1.6km-long immersed tube tunnel will get the green light from the Deputy Prime Minister later this year after more objections to the project were withdrawn. 

The New Tyne Crossing, as the £140m PFI scheme is known, will connect Howdon on the north bank of the Tyne with Jarrow on the south bank. Construction is set to start in spring 2004 with the tunnel open in May 2007.

A total of 20 objections have been withdrawn since the PTA applied for powers to construct the tunnel last May.

Councillor Tom Hanson, deputy vice chairman of the PTA, said: "We are delighted that we have been able to reach agreement with key statutory bodies such as the Environment Agency and the Port of Tyne Authority. They are now satisfied that their interests will be protected, particularly during the construction of the new tunnel.

"We believe these agreements strengthen the case for the New Tyne Crossing  and make it more likely that the PTA will receive the go-ahead  from the Deputy Prime Minister, hopefully later this year," he added.

A ruling from John Prescott is expected on 20 September.