Archived photos show the Tyne Tunnel from construction to the present day
These photos look back on the history of the Tyne Tunnel from construction to the present day
The Tyne Tunnel was officially opened by Queen Elizabeth II in October 1967, 30 years after the original scheme for a vehicle tunnel was proposed by the Durham and Northumberland county councils. Construction plans were put on hold during the Second World War.
But in 1946 the project was finally given the green light when Parliament passed the Tyne Tunnel Act. Once opened, the original tunnel carried around 4,000 vehicles a day.
Photos from the time show the construction of the tunnel, as well as the first Tyne Tunnel control room which appears significantly different to that of today. The current control room, which is also pictured below, is where over 200 CCTV cameras on the tunnels, approach roads and supporting buildings are watched around the clock on 12 wall monitors in the control room.
When the second Tyne Tunnel opened in 2012 around 40,000 vehicles passed through the tunnel per day It was once again opened by Queen Elizabeth II who officially opened the second tunnel July 18, 2012.
These photos look back on the history of the Tyne Tunnel from construction to the present day.
Workers in the first Tyne Tunnel carrying out construction
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The first Tyne Tunnel ventilation fans in the 1960’s
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The first Tyne Tunnel control room 1960’s
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TT2 offices in the 1960’s
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The original toll booths at the Tyne Tunnels in 1960’s
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Her Majesty the Queen’s first visit in October 1967 for the opening of the Tyne Tunnel
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