Work on 43-year-old Tyne Tunnel gets underway

Night-time drivers are being warned to expect some delays as work to refurbish the 43-year-old Tyne Tunnel gets under way.

On Monday, work will begin to replace wall panels between 2100 until 0500 BST every night until the end of the year.

The tunnel will stay open during the work and traffic management systems will be in place.

A second tunnel is currently being built and is due to open in February 2011.

Trevor Jackson, Managing Director for TT2, the Tyne Tunnel concessionaire, said: "People travelling through the tunnel at night will have a chance to get a close up look at the work in action.

"We hope this won't become too much of a distraction though and will do our best to keep traffic moving."