Tyne and Wear Metro passengers are being warned of a nine-day closure on a busy section of the network connecting Newcastle to North Tyneside. New track and overhead line will be installed from Saturday, October 24, to Sunday, November 1, with the route reopening on Monday, November 2. Replacement buses will operate during the works.
Renewal work between St James and Monkseaton
The closure will take place in both directions between St James and Monkseaton. Nexus, the operator of the transport network, will replace key sections of track, including junctions in east Newcastle, and overhead line and switching components in North Tyneside. The tracks and bed will be renewed between Walkergate and Wallsend, with 1,500 metres of new rail installed, along with replacement timber sleepers.
Nexus refers to this approach as 'Fixed Area Planning', with work in specific places at certain points of the year, reducing the likelihood that it needs to be revisited in the future. Work will take place around the clock, including infrastructure maintenance, lineside estate management, station upgrades, and structural inspections.
Half-term scheduling to reduce disruption
The work will take place during the half-term school break to help avoid impacting busier commutes, as there is generally less road traffic to help with alternative travel. Metro customers are being advised to plan ahead and allow for extra time when travelling through the impacted area.
Paul Welford, Major Projects Director at Nexus, said: "This full programme of works is part of our major ongoing investment in Metro infrastructure. We will be replacing track, overhead line equipment and other vital pieces of infrastructure, to increase reliability and ensure that we have a functional Metro system for many years to come.
"There is no good time to close a line, and we always try to minimise disruption to as many customers as possible. Our plans always consider school holidays, to ensure the least possible disruption to customers."
"By scheduling these works during half term, we can avoid impacting busier commutes, and less congestion on the roads should speed up alternative travel times on replacement buses. Customers are advised to plan ahead and allow plenty of extra time to make their journeys through the affected area."
"We're sorry for any inconvenience caused. We are committed to carefully planning these closures throughout the year to maximise works and minimise repeated disruption in the same area in the future."
Those living nearby may see track and lineside works along the affected route, with the project forming part of the Metro Asset Renewal Programme of rolling investment to modernise key parts of the infrastructure and extend the life and reliability of the system.
