South Tyneside set for five-day Tyne and Wear Metro line closure
The Tyne and Wear Metro is set to be suspended for five days in South Tyneside.
Nexus, the operator of the Tyne and Wear Metro, has announced that the major route which serves South Tyneside is set to undergo a five-day closure for a programme of investment in overhead lines.
The closure will be in place from Monday, April 13, to Friday, April 17, between Pelaw and South Shields - with the affected route set to reopen to the public on Saturday, April 18.
The project will see 3,200 metres of new overhead wire installed, with a replacement bus service running during the works.
Nexus have stated that the works have been scheduled during the Easter holidays to avoid impacting busier commutes.
Paul Welford, Major Projects Director at Nexus, said: “This is a key investment in our overhead lines to ensure that Metro can continue to serve South Tyneside long into the future.
“Overhead wires are absolutely critical to our operation, and we are currently engaged in a rolling programme of replacing this key part of our infrastructure right across the system.
“There is no good time to close a line, and we do so to minimise disruption to as many customers as possible. Our plans consider school holidays, to ensure the least possible disruption to customers and the most efficient works.
“By scheduling these works during the schools’ Easter break, 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.”
The planned work is part of Nexus’ Asset Renewal Programme for the Tyne and Wear Metro, which involves the modernisation of key items of Metro infrastructure.
As well as the overhead line replacement, Nexus will also carry out track engineering, signalling maintenance, structural inspections, station maintenance and lineside estate management.
Nexus is advising Tyne and Wear Metro customers to plan ahead during the closure period and allow extra time when travelling through the affected area.
For the latest information, members of the public can visit the Tyne and Wear Metro’s X page at: https://x.com/My_Metro.
Support your Shields Gazette and become a subscriber today. Enjoy unlimited access to local news, the latest football stories and new puzzles every day.
With a digital subscription, you can see fewer ads, enjoy faster load times, and get access to exclusive newsletters and content.