Improvement pledge for pedestrian Tyne Tunnel

Jun 24 2010 The Journal

THE ups and downs of the listed Tyne pedestrian and cyclists tunnels are to be tackled.

The tunnels are now nearly 60 years old, and two of its four escalators have been out of action for several months.

A third one broke down recently, leaving only the up escalator on the Jarrow side of the river in operation.

And of the two lifts, only the north side is in working condition.

A consultation exercise was carried out last year seeking public input into how more walkers and cyclists can be encouraged to use what, for many, is a forgotten cross-river link.

In their 1950s heyday, the tunnels were used by 20,000 people a day – many of them shipyard and factory workers Now work has started on the repair of the south side lift, which is 25 years old.

Corrosion of cast iron in the lift shaft will be treated and the lift motor, cables and car will be replaced.

The lift should be back in operation by October-November, and the process will be repeated on the north side, with a return to use early next year.

The lift repairs are expected to cost around £500,000.