The two vertical lifts at the Tyne Pedestrian and Cyclist Tunnels have been taken out of service for urgent repair works after a survey identified “a number of significant safety and operational defects”.
Survey findings and closure
The lifts were withdrawn from action on September 25 following the findings. A report from the North East mayor’s office, which owns and manages the tunnels, confirms the defects. The lifts are expected to remain inoperable for several weeks while an £87,000 repair scheme is carried out.
The issues leave the two inclined lifts as the public’s only means of accessing the tunnels currently. However, those inclined lifts will also be out of use for scheduled servicing works on October 13, 14, 20, and 21, meaning a replacement shuttle bus service will be needed between Jarrow and Howdon from 8am to 4pm.
Background of maintenance issues
This marks the latest serious maintenance issue at the Grade II listed tunnels, following a heavily-delayed and over-budget renovation that belatedly concluded in 2024. That project cost more than £18 million and was plagued by numerous problems, including a lengthy saga surrounding the troubled installation of two inclined glass lifts.
The tunnels, originally opened in the 1950s, underwent a major refurbishment project that began in May 2013. It was originally hoped they would be ready to reopen in 2015, but the discovery of asbestos and main contractor GB Building Solutions going bust meant they did not reopen to the public until 2019. A series of repeated delays to the inclined lifts’ installation, blamed on issues including the Covid pandemic and difficulty acquiring parts, meant the overall project was not completed until November 2024. After being set an initial £6.9 million budget, the cost of the scheme ultimately ran to £18.2 million.
Impact and response
The tunnels are used by more than 20,000 pedestrians and cyclists on average each month.
A spokesperson from the North East mayoral authority said: “A recent survey of the vertical lifts identified several issues requiring repair and, as a result, the lifts were withdrawn from service while the necessary works are carried out.
“Unfortunately, the lifts are expected to remain out of service for several weeks. During this time, the inclined lifts will remain available, except on 13, 14, 20 and 21 October when they will be unavailable due to planned servicing. A replacement shuttle bus service will operate on those days.
“We apologise for the inconvenience caused to tunnel users and are working to complete the repairs as quickly as possible. Users are advised to check our socials for the latest updates.”
