The pedestrian tunnel at West Jesmond Metro station, part of the Tyne and Wear Metro network, has been closed for improvement work. Nexus is carrying out the project on the subway to help "improve the facility for customers".
Work includes repaint and new lighting
The transport provider said it wants to ensure the tunnel can "remain in use for many years to come". The work includes a full repaint, new strengthened electrical covers, improved lighting and new surfacing for the staircases.
The tunnel has been temporarily closed to the public while the works are carried out, and is expected to reopen by the beginning of January. Customers in the area can still cross between the platforms using the station footbridge.
Station history and customer impact
Ian Gallagher, head of building services maintenance at Nexus, said: "We are currently undertaking a range of improvements to the subway at West Jesmond Metro station. The subway has been a part of the Metro system since it first opened and is a key part of this station, which sees 1.8 million customer journeys per year.
"Our work will improve the overall appearance of this facility and ensure that it can remain in use for many years to come. The scope of the project means that it has to be closed to customers while we carry out the improvement work."
Gallagher added: "We're grateful to customers for their patience while this facility is out of use. Step free access between the two platforms is still available via the bridge."
West Jesmond station has had a subway tunnel since it was first built in 1900, located beneath the Metro line and connecting the two platforms. The station was opened by the North East Eastern Railway and became part of the network in 1980.
