Two week closure for part of Tyne and Wear Metro network this July

There will be no Tyne and Wear Metro services between St James and Tynemouth for 14 days between 16^th and 29^th July to allow for more modernisation works on the network. This will include the complete renewal of an ageing bridge along with track and overhead renewals.

The 160 year old Tanners Bank bridge is located between Tynemouth and North Shields and has required increasing levels of maintenance and repair. The £3 million project will see a completely new bridge installed which will improve height clearances allowing for better bus links and road freight access to North Shields Fish Quay.

Cathy Massarella, Major Projects Director at Nexus, said: “We are carrying out a big programme of renewal works in July which requires a 14 day major line closure of between St James and Tynemouth. These are vital works that will help to secure the long-term future of Metro for many generations to come.

“We have packed the works into a two-week period to avoid many months of weekend shut downs. We have also planned this during the school summer holidays when trains are less busy. I apologise in advance for anyone who has their journey disrupted.

“The works include the £3m replacement of Tanners Bank Metro bridge, which carries 173 train services a day between Newcastle and North Tyneside. This bridge is a vital part of Metro’s infrastructure which now needs to be replaced. The current bridge was built in 1853, and has served Metro for 41 years since we took the line over – but this summer is the right time to replace it.

“The new structure will ensure that we can run trains in this area for many more generations to come, and the new one will allow greater clearance above the road so that more buses and commercial vehicles are able to get down to North Shields Fish Quay. The greater clearance also reduces the risk of bridge strikes by vehicles, which cause great disruption to Metro passengers.”

Tanners Bank Road will be closed for eight weeks until 12^th August to all traffic and pedestrians with Tynemouth Road closed to all vehicles for two weeks from 16^th to 29^th July. During the closure passengers will be able to use their Metro tickets and passes on 11 key local bus services in the area.