The project to replace tracks in the tunnels under Newcastle City Centre has won a second award (following success at the Global Light Rail Awards last year) with the latest recognition coming at the Spotlight Rail Awards. Nexus and Smartrax Rail won Outstanding Project of the Year the £3.4 project which saw the rails replaced at Prudhoe Street Junction.
Paul Welford, Major Projects Director at Nexus, explains more: “We’re absolutely delighted to win yet another award for this major scheme undertaken in the iconic Metro tunnels beneath Newcastle.
“The award is recognition for the meticulous planning and execution of what was a very complicated project to replace Metro’s busiest junction between Haymarket and Monument.
“It was a challenging place to work, and the method was not one that we had attempted before, but it all worked brilliantly, and we were able to complete the works in just two weekends, ensuring that disruption was kept to a minimum.
“We’ve completed track refurbishment schemes on the Prudhoe Street crossover in recent years, but this was a full renewal, which involved much more work, particularly as we had to pump wet concrete down to the tunnel floor from the street level above.
“The works ensured that a key part of Metro’s infrastructure has been future proofed for many years to come. Well done to everyone who worked so hard on the project.”
The replacement of Prudhoe Street Junction happened took place in the spring of 2024 and was the last stage of works in the tunnels under Newcastle City Centre, from Jesmond through to Gateshead. The crossover at Prudhoe Street – between Monument and Haymarket – carries 400 train movement a day and is the busiest junction on the network. The works took place over two weekends which saw the line closed to allow the work to take place safely and efficiently.