Tyne and Wear Metro services have been split into two since 19th December 2024 with nothing able to run in the tunnels under the Gateshead road flyover which has been closed over safety fears. And now with this disruption expected to continue for a prolonged period, Nexus have issued a warning that more disruption could be on the way for services on the Gateshead (south) side of the Tyne.
When the split in service was introduced trains on the south side were only able to run between Heworth and South Shields/South Hylton, but with only a limited number of Metrocars on that side of the blockade and maintenance concerns this has changed with the following service currently in place:
- Pelaw to South Shields
- Pelaw to South Hylton
Its described as a limited service and on Christmas Eve will see trains running every 24 minutes. Boxing Day then sees a 30 minute frequency in operation.
Cathy Massarella, Managing Director of Nexus, issued the following update on Friday 20th December: “This is an unprecedented situation and one of the biggest operational challenges we have faced in the history of the Tyne and Wear Metro. We’re aware of the significant disruption this will cause, however the safety of our customers and employees is our top priority.
“It is an evolving situation, and we are working hard to keep our customers updated around the services we are currently offering. We ask customers to plan in advance and allow more time for their journeys. A replacement bus service (900) is running between Monument and Heworth, and Metro tickets are being accepted on local bus routes.
“At the moment, Metro services are running on the Sunderland line between Pelaw and South Hylton and between Pelaw and South Shields at a reduced frequency.
“Metro trains continue to run north bound from Monument to Newcastle Airport on the Green Line. We also continue to run on the Yellow Line from St James to Monument via the North Tyneside coast.
“We hope to maintain these service levels for as long as possible, however, we need to be realistic about the impact of this closure. We are currently unable to maintain trains south of the River Tyne and this will impact our maintenance schedule and therefore the performance of these trains.
“However, we are working closely with our partners at Stadler to see whether we can deliver some basic repairs, but this, combined with the colder weather, means there is a strong possibility that we will be unable to sustain Metro services south of the River Tyne for the period of the tunnels being closed.”
The problem stems from a safety inspection of the A167 Gateshead flyover by the local council. This deemed it unsafe to remain open for traffic. Although trains do not travel on the flyover, the tunnels they use are directly below it and there are safety concerns if they continued to be operated. Plans for remedial repairs to the flyover are being formulated but this is unlikely to take place until early in 2025, meaning disruption to Metro services is likely for some time.