GB Building Solutions has been awarded a £4.9million contract to refurbish, renovate and modernise the Tyne Pedestrian and Cyclist Tunnels under the River Tyne.

The tunnels and its facilities date back to 1951 and are Grade 2 listed. The contract was awarded by Tyne and Wear Integrated Transport Authority.

The 274.5m tunnels were the first purpose built tunnels in the UK to be used by both cyclists and pedestrians and run in parallel 12.2m below the riverbed of the Tyne. The programme of works will include the installation of two inclined lifts; as inclined lifts are so rare they are expected to become something of an attraction.

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The tunnels are an important transport link between North and South Tyneside. The refurbishment project includes the removal of two wooden escalators, one each side of the river which, at the time of construction, were the longest single-rise escalators in the world, with a vertical rise of 85ft (25.9m) and a length of approximately 200ft (61m). They are believed still to be the longest wooden-step escalators in Europe, so two will be preserved for historic significance. In addition to the installation of the two new inclined lifts, GB will fully replace the mechanical and electrical services and carry out the refurbishment and renovation of certain parts the buildings and tunnels.

Martin Smout, chairman and chief executive of GB Group said: "The tunnels are a key transport link in Tyneside and of historic significance. The work that GB will do to restore and refurbish them will ensure that the tunnels remain an active part of the Tyneside transport links for many years to come."

(CD/MH)