Arup joins Tyne team

has been appointed by the

(TWPTA) as technical advisor on the New Tyne Crossing in north east

.

The aim of the crossing is to significantly improve accessibility between north and south Tyneside and to boost regeneration in north Tyneside.

The project will see the existing Tyne Tunnel double in capacity by introducing a new 1.6km tunnel, including a 400m immersed tube tunnel. The new tunnel, which will sit to the east of the existing tunnel, will carry two lanes of southbound traffic while the existing tunnel will be converted to carry two lanes of traffic travelling northbound.

‘The new crossing will bring significant benefits to Tyneside in terms of both infrastructure and the economy,’ said Nigel Hailey, project director, Arup. ‘Having worked with the TWPTA for the last eight years to develop designs for the crossing and to help procure a concessionaire for the £350m project, we are delighted that Arup will continue to work on the scheme as technical advisor during the construction phase.’

‘Our key focus during the construction of the crossing will be on ensuring that the new tunnel is constructed with the minimum of disruption to the users of the existing tunnel,’ added Hailey.

Construction of the New Tyne Crossing is scheduled to begin in spring 2008 and is expected to take four years.