More detailed plans for three new Tyne and Wear Metro stations on the extended route through Washington will be shown to the public at events in September. The proposals for the long-awaited extension, which is expected to open in 2033, will be showcased at 14 drop-in sessions across the area.
Route and stations
The new line will create a 13km loop connecting the existing stations at Pelaw and South Hylton, marking the first expansion of the network in 30 years. Three new stops are planned at Follingsby, Washington North, and Washington South, though exact locations have yet to be confirmed. The route will use the northern section of the mothballed Leamside Line, with ambitions to regenerate its southern section to restore a rail connection into County Durham.
Public engagement
Metro operator Nexus confirmed that detailed proposals will be presented at 14 public events in September. The sessions will allow residents to hear from Metro officials on why the proposed route and station locations were chosen, ask questions, and provide feedback. This follows a previous round of engagement in summer 2025, and an outline business case is scheduled for completion by the start of 2027.
The announcement comes after local Reform UK councillor Robert Pattison claimed last month that the new route will “not benefit” Washington residents and was in the “wrong place”. North East mayor Kim McGuinness said: “We’re bringing the Metro to Washington and I want local people to be able to ask questions and make comments on our plans for the route and its stations at events throughout the area this September.”
Funding and next steps
The mayor announced last year that the extension would proceed, with much of the costs covered by a £1.85 billion transport funding pot from the Government. Nexus’ major projects director, Paul Welford, added: “We are committed to listening to local people and ensuring their views help shape the project as it develops. We are already in discussions with landowners that could be impacted and want to engage with more members of the wider community.”
The drop-in events will take place at venues including Washington Millennium Centre, Washington Arts Centre, Tansy Centre in South Hylton, and Pelaw Metro Station, among others, throughout September.
