The Tyne and Wear Metro between Benton and North Shields is to close between 8th and 14th April as part of the continued major investment in the network’s infrastructure. 5.6km of overhead line will be replaced during this closure whilst the opportunity will also be taken to complete other lineside estate works as well as refurbishments works at Whitley Bay and Monkseaton stations.
The closure will start from Monday 8th April and continue through until the end of service on Sunday 14th April. During this period buses will operate between Four Lane Ends and North Shields calling at or near all Metro stations on the route.
Stuart Clarke, Metro Infrastructure Director, said: “This seven day major line closure is to allow for our ongoing multi-million pound investment in Metro modernisation to ensure that the network is here for many decades to come.
“These works will involve the renewal of vital overhead lines along a 5.6 kilometre section of our network. We are also carrying out a range of other secondary works which includes lineside estate management and station refurbishment works at Whitley Bay and Cullercoats.
“While there is no good time to close a large section of the Metro system, the works will improve Metro’s resilience in the future. We will do all we can to keep any disturbance to an absolute minimum, and I apologise in advance for the inconvenience this will cause.
“Customers will be provided with frequent replacement bus services throughout this work and need to allow a bit of extra time to make their journey in the area where the line is closed. If you’re heading into Newcastle, where possible get the Metro from North Shields and head into town via Wallsend.”
This is all part of the major modernisation programme which has been ongoing (thanks to government funding) since 2010. In this time a total of £446 million has been invested including £38 million in the year to the end of March 2024.