Member Article

£6m upgrade plans submitted

Plans for a £6m major refurbishment of the historic Grade II-listed Tyne pedestrian and cyclist tunnels have been submitted by the Tyne & Wear Integrated Transport Authority (TWITA).

The plans include replacing two of the original wooden-step escalators with inclined lifts. The remaining two escalators will be retained but will be closed to the public. They will be opened up to view so the workings will be visible from the inclined lifts.

Other features in the application for Listed Building Consent include improved lighting levels, repairs to the floors and repairs to the damaged historic tile lining of the tunnels with replica matching tiles. The entrance rotundas at Howdon and Jarrow will also be restored to provide a brighter welcome for all users.

Paul Fenwick, project director for TWITA, said: “The tunnels have been providing an important link under the Tyne for 60 years. However, in recent years the age of the equipment has led to increasing frequency of breakdowns and has meant our customers have not received the reliable service they deserve.”

This was posted in Bdaily's Members' News section by Ruth Mitchell .