A River Tyne crossing for walkers and bicycles could switch to 24/7 opening – although concerns remain about the potential for crime.
The Tyne Pedestrian and Cyclist Tunnels spent most of last year (2020) open between 6am – 10pm, following requests from travellers for the hours to be extended during the lighter, summer months.
But following the positive reaction to a trial which saw the facility remain open continuously throughout December, the test scheme is due to be extended.
According to a report by tunnel bosses: “The trial has proved to be successful and there have been no major concerns or incidents of antisocial behaviour.
“It is therefore proposed that 24-hour opening should continue throughout 2021 subject to regular reviews.
“It is noted that evening usage and associated public order issues may increase in warmer months.”
The proposals are included in papers prepared ahead of next week’s (Thursday, January 14) meeting of the North East Joint Transport Committee’s Tyne and Wear Sub-Committee.
Shift workers are thought to have been the main group to benefit from the extended opening hours at the crossing between Jarrow and Howdon.
But bosses have insisted the trial will be regularly monitored for signs of increased crime or antisocial behaviour.
The tunnels finally reopened in 2019 following a serially botched refurbishment programme.
Work to refurbish the tunnel started in May 2013 and was supposed to take 57 weeks and cost £6.5 million.
But more than seven years later, the final price tag is expected to be almost £17 million and is yet to finish, with bosses still awaiting the installation of inclined glass lift delayed due to COVID-19 restrictions.
According to official figures, over the summer (2020), up to 700 people were using the tunnels every day.
This later fell to about 400 people per day during the winter, although the fall in the number of cyclists crossing was smaller than the number of walkers.
2020 also marked the first time ‘in many years’ the crossing stayed open on Christmas Day, with bosses hopeful of maintaining 365-day opening in the future.
