Passengers travelling on Tyne and Wear Metro services are being warned of increased journey times and longer wait for the next train after a speed restriction was implemented following the closure of the Gateshead flyover on Friday 13th December.
Although the Metro does not run on the Gateshead flyover, the tunnels used by the network are directly below it and as such a speed restriction has been implemented as a precaution.
Stuart Clarke, Nexus’ Infrastructure Director, said: “Metro services are running to all destinations but not to timetable due to the ongoing closure of the A167 Gateshead Highway flyover. The Metro tunnels are located beneath the flyover, which has been closed on safety grounds.
“Gateshead Council announced on Friday 13th December, that the flyover has been shut to all traffic after an inspection by consultant structural engineers indicated a potential risk to safety if it remains open.
“Our Metro tunnels in Gateshead carry trains directly underneath the flyover. Our engineers have risk assessed the situation based upon the information that is currently available to them. As a precaution, while more information is being gathered, we are running trains at a reduced speed of 30KPH between The QEII bridge and Gateshead Stadium. Safety is our top priority at all times.
“The speed restriction will be in place until such time that the council has completed further detailed assessments of the flyover’s structure. This is having a knock on effect on Metro performance. Customers will experience wait times of an extra few minutes in some areas, and should allow extra time for their journeys where possible.
“I can assure our customers that we are in regular contact with Gateshead Council’s consultant engineers so that we can find a way to resolve the impact that the flyover’s closure is having on the operation of the Tyne and Wear Metro system.”