BUSINESS in the North-East needs a second Tyne Tunnel, the North East Chamber of Commerce (NECC) said.
The NECC has stepped up its support for the new route under the Tyne.
Chris Jobe, chairman of NECC's Tyne and Wear committee, said: "The absence of a second crossing produces delays to traffic, which in turn exacerbates other problems in the networks. This is hurting business."
The number of vehicles using the existing tunnel has risen well above the planned capacity for the route.
Mr Jobe said it was proof a second tunnel was justified.
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