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Light at the end of the tunnel after long wait

Document Cited in Related
Vincent
Published date04 April 2024
Publication titleEvening Chronicle
The grade II-listed tunnel reopened in summer 2019 following a lengthy refurbishment, but a key element of the troubled works has remained unfinished ever since. The installation of two inclined glass lifts for the crossing, which runs between Jarrow and Howdon, has been plagued by a series of setbacks

Multiple delays to the bespoke elevators have been blamed on a variety of factors, including disruption caused by the Covid-19 pandemic and a split from the project's original Italian contractors.

But transport bosses say that the lifts are now in the "final stages" of being tested and should be open to the public by this summer, at last marking the end of a restoration scheme that started more than a decade ago.

An update due to be presented to councillors next week states: "Final completion of the inclined lifts is still awaited as they have proved difficult to complete due to the bespoke nature of the design and issues with the original contractors. The lift contractors have made good progress on the remaining wiring and mechanical systems which control the lift as well as completing the glazing at the lift doors.

"The works are now in the final stages of testing and the contractor is preparing the necessary operating and maintenance documentation.

The certifying body are planning to undertake their final inspection in early May and subject to satisfying the required standards, the lifts should open to the public soon after.

"Once they are operational, the new lifts will be able to carry up to six cyclists and their bikes in one journey.

"Once the inclined lifts have been opened to the public for use...

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