We have launched an education programme to show North East school children about the complex, busy operation involved in getting 18 million vehicles safely across the major river crossing each year.
We have opened our doors to pupils who would like to learn about our fascinating behind-the-scenes story.
The young people hear about our 55-year history, meet controllers in charge of operations, CCTV and automatic number plate recognition, and learn about our engineering, customer services, and emergency rescue teams. They even get to explore the rescue vehicles and try out the sirens.
Children, aged 6 – 13, from Silverdale School in Howden, were the latest to try the new experience this October.
Our CEO, Philip Smith, said: “This is something we’ve wanted to get up and running for a while because no other organisation in the region can offer young people an experience like it.
“The tunnels are a feat of engineering and we feel it’s important for future generations to learn about them and all the expertise and work that goes into managing them. The programme also helps educate young people about the different types of careers involved in transport infrastructure.
“We would like to invite any schools interested in coming for a visit, to get in touch.”
In addition to the on-site visits, TT2 will soon be expanding the education programme with Tyne Rivers Trust to include its 45,000 sq. m. forest that sits directly above the Northbound tunnel – which is currently undergoing a habitat restoration project with the charity.
Once complete, the woods will be used by local community groups, schools and TT2’s 140 employees as a space to learn about wildlife and how to help native species flourish.