Construction of the Tunnels began in 1947. Two shafts were sunk, one on each bank, before the connecting Tunnels were excavated by miners operating in compressed air.

Listen to electrician George Robinson describe what it was like working in the tunnels during the early stages of construction.

The Tunnels were opened on 24th July 1951 by Transport Minister Alfred Barnes.

They were part of the North East’s contribution to the Festival of Britain, and built at a cost of £833,000. the Tyne Pedestrian and Cyclist Tunnels for years provided a safe and reliable way for thousands of workers to cross the river to work in the shipyards and factories that then lined the Tyne.

At their peak, around 20,000 people used the Tunnels every day. By the time the Tunnels closed for refurbishment in 2013, that had dropped to 20,000 per month.

The number of users declined as Tyneside’s industrial profile changed and the first vehicle Tyne Tunnel opened nearby in 1967, car ownership grew and lifestyles changed.

By the early 2000s, the Pedestrian and Cyclist Tunnels were in a poor state of repair. The harsh underground conditions and general wear and tear led to frequent breakdowns of the escalators and vertical lifts. The costs of repairs spiralled.

In an effort to guarantee the future of the Tunnels, there was a successful application to have them listed as a structure of special historical interest. They were granted Grade II listed status in May 2000.

The then Tunnels’ owner, the Tyne and Wear Integrated Transport Authority, decided that to revive the Tunnels as a safe, reliable means of crossing the river, a complete refurbishment was necessary. The Tunnels closed in May 2013 and re-opened on 7th August 2019.

The move towards a digital society presents significant obstacles for older adults and disabled people, many of whom find it difficult to remain independent due to restricted internet access. Contributing factors include a lack of digital skills, uncertainty about the advantages of being online, concerns around privacy and cybersecurity, as well as issues of affordability and availability. At Park View Project, older individuals often encounter hurdles such as reluctance to embrace new technology, low self-esteem, and limited confidence, whereas younger disabled people many be vulnerable to abuse, online bullying, and physically and sensory accessibility issues.

Consider joining our Digital Drop-in sessions to volunteer or discover ways to help close the digital gap-your involvement could truly benefit your community

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I am enjoying playing on my new train route and my Favourite train rote is Exeter – Plymouth and Paignton

“I’m looking forward to watching my YouTube preview tonight at 19:00. It’s a preview of the new route I’m following: Exeter – Plymouth – Paignton.”

We are starting to organise our show at Whitley Bay Playhouse which will be in June 2026. The show will be a big mash up of different songs from musicians, and each group can choose their own songs to perform. We are going to use Doctor Who’s Tardis to link each musical so you can choose any song you would like to do and we try to incorporate them all into the story line.

We are hoping to get initial ideas from groups about whether they would like to perform in the show and also which song or musical you would like to do. If your group would like to be part of the show please return this slip to Hilary in the next few weeks so we can make a start planning the script.

Contact NTDF on 01914661667 and ask for Ana.

In our latest insights piece, written by jo, our research and Evaluation Manger and Hannah, our Advocacy Manger, we consider what role confidence, belief and trust play in how people engage with the online world and more!