Tyne and Wear Metro services through Pelaw will be impacted by major engineering works which will see the junction there renewed. Lasting for five days between 28th October and 1st November, the work is to future proof the network and is just the latest in a long line of major investment into the infrastructure of the Tyne and Wear Metro.
Stuart Clarke, Nexus’ Infrastructure Director, said: “This is a significant modernisation project and part of our multi-million pound asset renewal programme, which involves the complete replacement of one the busiest Metro track junctions on the system at Pelaw.
“We’re sorry for the inconvenience this may cause to our customers and we urge them to plan ahead and allow extra time to travel when these lines are closed.
“There is no good time to close such large sections of line, but we need a five-day window to get it done safely, ensuring a vital set of points located at Pelaw junction are renewed.
“We’ve planned the works into the half term break and are taking the opportunity to deliver a range of other Metro modernisation tasks to ensure future closures in this area won’t be needed as frequently.
“We will ensure customers are provided with frequent replacement buses in the affected areas so that they can still travel around.
“While the buses won’t be quite as quick as Metro services, they will get everyone where they need to be during the closure.”
During these fives days there will no trains between Gateshead Stadium and South Shields and from Gateshead Stadium to South Hylton with replacement bus services operating instead.
As well as the renewal of the junction at Pelaw – which carries 400 trains a day – other work will be undertaken including track drainage work, cable repairs and track alignment works.
This work is part of the £43 million investment this year along into the Metro infrastructure.