Drivers could face disruption this weekend when northbound Tyne Tunnel is closed

The northbound Tyne Tunnel is to be closed for part of the weekend.

A contra-flow system will be in place between 8pm on Saturday and 4pm on Sunday, with traffic from both north and south of the Tyne travelling through the southbound tunnel.

TT2 Limited, who operate the Tyne Tunnels, are closing the northbound tunnel for an emergency training exercise involving staff and the emergency services.

Essential maintenance will also be carried out during the closure.

During the closure, the tunnel will be closed to vehicles carrying abnormal loads, meaning vehicles in excess of 2.9m (9ft 6in) in width will not be permitted.

Stuart Sutton, operations manager at TT2, said: “In order to minimise disruption to customers, the event has been scheduled at the weekend, because the number of drivers using the tunnel is approximately half of what it is on weekdays.

“Thanks to the investment which created the second tunnel, we are in a position to carry out this work with minimal disruption to customers who rely on the A19.

“We thank drivers in advance for their patience and understanding.”