23 November 2010
Lift for Tunnels’ users
Cyclists and pedestrians will enjoy a better service from Friday (November 26) when they use the historic Grade II-listed Tyne Pedestrian and Cyclist Tunnels.
That is when the lift at the Jarrow end of the Tunnels will return to service following extensive repair and refurbishment.
The new lift will be three times quicker than the one it replaces, taking only 16 seconds to cover its 26 metre journey. It will be able to carry up to 13 people. The new lift is at least 50 per cent more energy efficient than the one it replaces.
It is also fully compliant with the requirements of the Disability Discrimination Act and will eventually be able to take motorised scooters once the lift at the Howdon entrance also returns to service.
Work on the lift at the Howdon entrance is expected to be completed by Christmas.
As the Tunnels are Grade II-listed, the lift refurbishments required Listed Building Consent. Items of original equipment dating back to when the Tunnels opened in 1951 have been catalogued, photographed, crated and stored for future generations.
Paul Fenwick, Project Director for the Tyne & Wear Integrated Transport Authority (TWITA), which own the Tunnels, said: “The repair work on the lifts represents an investment of £500,000 and reflects the commitment of the Transport Authority to maintaining this historic link under the River Tyne.
“Bringing the lifts back into service will be a great relief to our customers who have had to put up with a greatly reduced service recently as, in addition to both lifts being out of service, only one of the four escalators has been working.
“The Transport Authority introduced a free shuttle service to help those who would otherwise have struggled using the tunnels while the lifts were out of service. The shuttle will end once both lifts are working again.
“I would like to thank our customers for their patience and forbearance during the past few months.”
In July this year TWITA approved a £6 million upgrade of the Tunnels which will include the replacement of two of the original wooden-step escalators with inclined lifts. The two remaining escalators will be conserved and opened up to public view.
Ends
Media contact: Richard Simpson, Bradley O’Mahoney Public Relations, 07821 537106 or Felicity Amer on 0191 281 8833
Felicity Amer ACIPR
Account Director
Bradley O'Mahoney Public Relations Limited
56 Jesmond Road West
Newcastle upon Tyne
NE2 4PQ
Tel: 0191 281 8833
Fax: 0191 281 4954
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