The cost of the heavily-delayed renovation of the Tyne Pedestrian and Cyclist Tunnel was more than £11 million higher than planned.
A lengthy refurbishment of the river crossing took more than a decade to complete, after the project suffered from a range of setbacks.
The final stage of the works was completed 12 months ago, when two bespoke glass lifts were finally unveiled to the public.
North East transport bosses have now confirmed to the Local Democracy Reporting Service that the final bill for the revamp of the 1950s tunnel came in at £18.2 million – significantly more than the initial expected cost of £6.9 million.
A project riddled with problems
The troublesome glass lifts alone cost £2 million and had become a source of major frustration, suffering long and repeated delays blamed on issues including the disruption of the Covid pandemic, replacing the Italian firm originally contracted to install the lifts, and difficulties in acquiring parts.
However, the restoration project had already become a saga plagued by problems before then.
The tunnels, which connect Jarrow and Howdon, closed for the start of the refurbishment in May 2013.
2015 had been earmarked as a target completion date, but the discovery of asbestos and main contractor GB Building Solutions going bust meant that they did not reopen to the public until 2019.
The tunnels are now owned and managed by the North East Combined Authority (NECA), following the creation of the North East mayor in 2024.
NECA comment
A NECA spokesperson said: “The refurbishment was a long and complex project, originally initiated by the Tyne and Wear Integrated Transport Authority before it ceased to exist in 2014 . The Tunnels, first opened in 1951 for the Festival of Britain and granted Grade II status in 2002, required full restoration due to their condition in the early 2000s. They closed in May 2013 and reopened in August 2019 following an extensive programme of works.
“The project faced significant challenges, including the administration of the original lift contractor and the impact of the COVID-19 pandemic, both of which contributed to delays and increased costs.
“The final cost of the refurbishment is £18.2 million. This includes £2 million for the installation of the inclined lifts which opened on 25 November 2024. These lifts can carry up to 21 visitors at a time and are designed to accommodate non-standard cycles, making them fully accessible for a wide range of users.
“We’re pleased that the tunnels have now been fully preserved and upgraded, providing improved walking and cycling infrastructure that continues to connect communities across North and South Tyneside. This vital link supports access to work, education, family, and friends and continues to serve the public as a safe, accessible, and sustainable transport route for the region.”
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