A public inquiry into a planned �139m second Tyne Tunnel will open in March.

The inquiry will be held at Jarrow Community Association and is expected to last for four to six weeks, it was announced on Friday.

The Tyne and Wear Passenger Transport Authority wants to build a two-lane tunnel under the Tyne between East Howden and Jarrow, to be used by southbound traffic.

The current tunnel would be converted to take only northbound traffic.

Water quality

The Tyne and Wear PTA, has said the tunnel must be built if congestion on the A19 is to be reduced.

But the plans are being opposed by environmental groups, including Friends of the Earth who have welcomed the inquiry.

The Environment Agency has also had concerns about the effect of building work on the water quality of the Tyne.

Deputy Prime Minister John Prescott has appointed independent inspector Stuart Nixon to chair the inquiry.

The plans for the tunnel, known as the New Tyne Crossing, were submitted to Mr Prescott's office in May.