Second Tyne Tunnel
Bouygues was awarded the contract to construct a second road tunnel underneath the River Tyne in Newcastle called the New Tyne Crossing.
The tunnel was constructed using Immersed Tube techniques, with two sections of tunnel to the south of the river that had to be excavated beneath an array of utilities. Bouygues selected Rorcon as their specialist for this section of works. Rorcon was responsible for the sprayed concrete primary lining (SCL) sections, which totalled approximately 80 linear meters. The cross-section was horse shoe shaped, with a width of approximately 14m and a height of 11m. This excavation is believed to be the largest open single face SCL tunnel excavation ever undertaken in the UK.
Rorcon provided all of the specialist personnel for the SCL works, and key people to assist Bouygues with the secondary lining.
In addition to the SCL works, Rorcon also assisted with the remedial works which were carried out to the existing Tyne Tunnel.
The team encountered some challenges, including the complexity of the utility networks in the area, but they were able to overcome these obstacles and complete the works successfully.
This project demonstrated Rorcon's expertise in underground construction and our ability to work effectively with other contractors to achieve project goals.
The New Tyne Crossing is an important infrastructure project that will help to ease congestion and improve transport links in the North East of England, and Rorcon is proud to have played a part in its construction.
