Work on a 250 metre stretch of the Tyne and Wear Metro trackbed will go-ahead this coming weekend as part of the Metro: all change modernisation programme. The work will be taking place on Crossgate Viaduct over a four day period from Thursday 16th April with full social-distancing protocols in place for those working on the project.
During the work on Crossgate Viaduct – a key gateway into South Shields Town Centre – a 250 metre section of trackbed will be replaced including 450 tonnes of new ballast and 650 new sleepers.
Strict controls will be in place for the workforce to carry out the work and an assessment has take place so that it can continue with two metre distance between workers. This has been considered vital modernisation work which needs to go-ahead at this time, despite the ongoing restrictions in place.
Martin Kearney, Nexus Chief Operating Officer, said: “The region needs Metro more than ever now, and in in the future, as we get through this public health crisis. Delivering this major engineering project now, under carefully managed and safe conditions, means that Metro will be fighting fit as the economy recovers. We have worked in detail with our contractor to make sure we are both happy this project can be carried out with respect to social distancing.”
A replacement bus will run between Hebburn and South Shields from Thursday 16th to Sunday 19th April but this should only be used by key workers and anyone making an essential journey.