Metro services to Newcastle Airport will be suspended for nine days from this Saturday, as Nexus carries out improvement works described as "vital to Metro's long term future" on the stretch between South Gosforth and the Airport. The closure, which begins this weekend, will see trains replaced by a bus service calling at or close to all affected stations.
Nine-day closure and replacement buses
The nine-day closure starts on Saturday, with works taking place day and night on the green line. A replacement bus service will run during the works, serving all affected Metro stations. Residents living near the lines are advised to be prepared for the works, which will involve a tamper and rail grinder.
The £7.94m renewal project at Regent Centre will transform the station concourse and modernise platforms. The large metal canopy covering the station's roadway and Metro lines will be removed during the closure.
Other works and station upgrades
Additional works during the closure include station upgrades at Callerton Parkway, Bank Foot, Kingston Park, Fawdon and Wansbeck Road, as well as track renewal, cable repair work and lineside estate management.
Paul Welford, major projects director at Nexus, said: "We are carrying out a major programme of renewal work right along Metro’s Green line between South Gosforth and Airport from this Saturday for nine consecutive days. I would like to apologise in advance for the disruption the works may cause to our customers and to our lineside neighbours."
Advice for passengers
Welford added: "The range of work we are carrying out is vital for Metro's long-term future. In many cases there will be large numbers of workers on track and heavy machinery and rail maintenance vehicles will be in use. We’ll be working 24/7 to get the work completed. There is no good time to close a line, and we do so to minimise disruption to as many customers as possible."
"Our plans consider school holidays, to ensure the least possible disruption to customers and the most efficient works. By scheduling these works during the schools' summer break, 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." The green line will reopen to passengers on Monday, August 24.
