There will be a six day closure on the Tyne and Wear Metro in North Tyneside between Sunday 26th October and Friday 31st October as part of the continued investment in improving the infrastructure of the network. The closure will see no trains running between Benton and Wallsend.
During the six day closure the junction at Monkseaton will be renewed. A total of 600 metres of new track will be installed along with the new junction which will include 1200 metres of new rails, 900 sleepers and 2,700 tonnes of new ballast.
As well as this major work the chance is also being taken to complete other works such as landscape management, track maintenance, and station repair work at Tynemouth and Whitley Bay.
Once again a replacement bus service will run (no. 900). This will operate from Four Lane Ends Interchange to Wallsend and will call at or near to all Metro stations on the route on a frequent timetable.
Paul Welford, Major Projects Director at Nexus, said: “We’re investing in new track to ensure to ensure Metro continues to reliably serve North Tyneside for many years to come. The track junction at Monkseaton is vital. It carries hundreds of Metro services and is now in need of a complete renewal. This work can only be carried out safely during a six-day closure of the Metro system between Benton and Wallsend.
“To make the most of the closure, we are also carrying out a range of other works at the same time, including landscape management, track maintenance, and station repair work at Tynemouth and Whitley Bay.
“There is no good time to close a section of line, but our plans consider school holidays, to ensure the least possible disruption to customers and the most efficient works. This project ensures that a vital section of the Metro system is future proofed and reliable for the long term.
“A frequent replacement bus service will run in the affected area so that customers can still travel around on public transport. The buses will get everyone where they need to be during the closure.”
Over the past 15 years almost £1 billion has been invested in improving the Tyne and Wear Metro, thanks to significant funding from the Department for Transport. This has included the order of 46 new trains (currently being introduced into service), the Metro Flow project which has seen a section of line dualled to increase capacity and resilience, and various infrastructure renewal at various locations on the network.