There is to be a nine-day closure of the Tyne and Wear Metro between St James and Monkseaton from Saturday 24th October to Sunday 1st November to allow more major renewal work to take place. This will include both the installation of new track and overhead line.
Works will involve the renewal of key sections of track including junctions in east Newcastle and overhead line and switching components in North Tyneside. Between Walkergate and Wallsend the tracks and track bed will be renewed, which will need 1,500 metres of new rail and replacement of timber sleepers.
Work will take place right around the clock to maximise the closure with Nexus describing it as “Fixed Area Planning”. This means works are maximised in particular areas with more activity in that one area during the closure but the likelihood of having to revisit and disrupt the area for future works in the short-term is reduced.
Paul Welford, Major Projects Director at Nexus, said: “This full programme of works is part of our major ongoing investment in Metro infrastructure.
“We will be replacing track, overhead line equipment and other vital pieces of infrastructure, to increase reliability and ensure that we have a functional Metro system for many years to come.
“There is no good time to close a line, and we always try to minimise disruption to as many customers as possible. Our plans always consider school holidays, to ensure the least possible disruption to customers.
“By scheduling these works during half term, we can avoid impacting busier commutes, and less congestion on the roads should speed up alternative travel times on replacement buses.
“Customers are advised to plan ahead and allow plenty of extra time to make their journeys through the affected area. We’re sorry for any inconvenience caused.
“We are committed to carefully planning these closures throughout the year to maximise works and minimise repeated disruption in the same area in the future.”
A replacement bus service will operate throughout the period. Normal services are scheduled to resume on Monday 2nd November 2026.