An in-depth look at creating a tunnel under the River Tees to
slash journey times and offer better access to jobs has been
unveiled.
A package of £5million for work into a Tees Tunnel will be
included in a huge cash boost for transport in the coming weeks.
Pipelines north and south of the river already exist to support
major industry, but this new study would examine the viability of
creating a tunnel link for motorists, pedestrians, cyclists, and
freight.
The project has the potential to radically slash journey times
between Hartlepool and Redcar – and give residents north of the
Tees better access to jobs at Teesworks, and a huge boost to
major businesses on the banks of the river.
Tees Valley Mayor said: “We shouldn’t limit our
ambition – and a Tees Tunnel has the potential to supercharge our
efforts to make Teesworks a success in which everyone can share
across our fantastic region.
“For far too long, people from Hartlepool have had to endure a
tortuous journey of 45 minutes to Redcar and vis versa. We’ve
been looking at cutting this time for years and now we have the
money to have a proper in-depth look at tunnel possibilities and
concepts.
“This offers another string to our bow and has the real potential
to bring better access to high-quality, well-paid jobs north and
south of the river in our vital core industries and businesses.”
The wider transport announcement follows the decision by Prime
Minister to scrap the Northern leg of
the HS2 rail line. This has brought £978million of further
transport funding directly to the Tees Valley Combined Authority.
Cash has been lined up for a station and bus interchange to serve
both Teesside Park and a planned major new care and health
innovation zone at the Tees Marshalling Yards, Stockton.
A boost of £20million has also been earmarked for an overhaul of
Teesside Airport railway station with further funding being put
towards saving Middlesbrough’s Transporter Bridge.
The full list of schemes will be subject to approval by voting
members of the Tees Valley Combined Authority Cabinet this month.
