Tyne Tunnel

Tyne Cyclist and Pedestrian Tunnel


Useful Information

Location: Tyne Cyclist and Pedestrian Tunnel, Wallsend NE28 6SG.
Tyne Pedestrian and Cycle Tunnel, Jarrow NE32 3DX
(54.988863, -1.487428)
Open: All year daily 0-24.
[2022]
Fee: Car GBP 1.90, Van GBP 3.70, Truck GBP 3.70, Bus GBP 3.70.
[2022]
Classification: SubterraneaTunnel
Light: LightIncandescent Electric Light System
Dimension: L=1,700 m, D=9.5 m.
Guided tours: self guided
Photography: allowed
Accessibility: yes
Bibliography:  
Address: Tyne Tunnel, TT2 Limited, Administrative Building, Wallsend, Tyne and Wear, NE28 0PD, Tel: +44-191-574-0031.
As far as we know this information was accurate when it was published (see years in brackets), but may have changed since then.
Please check rates and details directly with the companies in question if you need more recent info.

History

1937 construction of a set of three tunnels under the Tyne proposed by the Durham and Northumberland county councils.
1943 scheme approved by the Ministry of Transport.
1946 Tyne Tunnel Act receives royal assent.
1947 work started on the smaller tunnels for pedestrians and cyclists.
19-OCT-1967 tunnel opened by Queen Elizabeth II.
March 2004 Tyne and Wear Integrated Transport Authority launches a plan to build a second tunnel.
2008 construction of new tunnel started.,
25-FEB-2011 new tunnel opened for two-lane bi-directional traffic.
25-FEB-2011 closed for refurbishment.
21-NOV-2011 reopened.
2021 open-road-tolling introduced, a cashless system, and complete removal of barriers and physical payment booths.

Description

The Tyne Tunnel is a tunnel across River Tyne in North East England, connecting Jarrow and Howdon. The tunnel consists of two 2-lane vehicular tunnels and a smaller tunnel for pedestrians and cyclists. The original ide was proposed by the Durham and Northumberland county councils in 1937. There wer long discussions and finally the Ministry of Transport approved the plan. It took until 1946 until all regulations were met. Unfortunately postwar restrictions on capital expenditure delayed the construction further. In 1947 work started on the smaller tunnels for pedestrians and cyclists. The road tunnel was finally inaugurated in 1967 by Queen Elizabeth II and opened to the traffic in 1968.

The road tunnel was originally one two-lane tube, with a single lane in each direction. With two-way traffic it allowed 25,000 vehicles per day. Increasing traffic made it necessary to extend the tunnel, and so in 2004 the plan to build a second tunnel was made. The plan was accepted and in 2008 work started. When the new tunnel was completed, the old tunnel was closed for refurbishment. Today each tube offers two lanes in one direction. During the refurbishment security deficiencies were addressed.

The newest addition to the tunnel is an automatic toll system. An Automatic Number Plate Recognition (ANPR) with cameras detects the Vehicle Registration Number while cars drive straight through the Tunnels at normal speed. It is possible to pre-pay and save 10%, or pay by midnight the day after. Payment is possible on the website, with App, automated telephone payment line, or at a PayPoint retailer. This seems to work very well, but we guess there are some difficulties for foreign tourists. At least it is free for pedestrians, bicycles, and motorbikes.