The main phase of construction for a new footbridge including lifts at Benton Metro station has started.
The work means that the only access to Platform 2 at the station (from Newcastle and towards the Coast) is from Platform 1 and over the old footbridge for around two weeks.
People going to or from addresses north of the station will need to walk under the Metro line along Station Road to reach this entrance, and should leave extra time for their journey.
People normally alighting at Platform 2 who need step-free access, such as wheelchair users or those with children’s buggies, are advised to travel on to Northumberland Park, cross the platform and catch the next train back, to alight at Platform 1 instead.
People boarding at Benton for the Coast who need step-free access should take a train from Platform 1 to Four Lane Ends and change platforms using the lift to travel back towards their destination.
Ken Mackay, Director of Rail and Infrastructure at Nexus, said: “We know the restricted access at Benton will cause significant inconvenience to passengers for the next few weeks as foundations for the new bridge are dug.
“We are investing to sort out historic problems with access. Those same historic issues mean that access during construction will be more limited than we would like. I ask passengers to be patient while we get the work done.”
The installation of a new footbridge with lifts at Benton forms part of the £385m Metro: all change modernisation programme. The main phase of construction work will last until February.