The £350m Metro: all change modernisation programme is a major scheme of investment to ensure the region has a reliable Metro system for many decades to come. It is one of the most important transport infrastructure projects in North East England.
The 11 year programme will see stations modernised, trains refurbished and miles of new tracks and cables installed.
Large sections of track have been already been replaced and stations have been improved to give passengers a brighter and better travel experience.
New smart ticket machines are in place at all 60 Metro stations, making paying for travel easier and more flexible. Electronic ticket gates are in place at 13 key Metro stations.
How it benefits you
- A more reliable Metro service
- A smoother and more comfortable journey
- Brighter and more comfortable station waiting areas
- Easier and more flexible ways of paying for travel
- Reduced fare evasion
- Securing a Tyne and Wear Metro service for years to come
Work completed so far
The Metro all change modernisation programme in numbers:
• 35 of 60 stations refurbished or work underway
• 86 Metro carriages refurbished
• 59km of track renewed or refurbished
• 24 sets of points renewed
• 25 sets of points refurbished
• 50 sets of points motors replaced
• 6.5km of track drainage installed
• 31km of cable troughing refurbished
• 85km of signalling cable replaced
• 22 bridges repaired, and 7 bridges removed
• 27 escalators replaced
• 12 lifts replaced
• Metro train wash installed
• Wheel lathe installed
• New tamper purchased
• 2km of earthworks repaired – ballast retention and stabilisation
• 19km of overhead line replaced
Your questions answered
What will be different when the work is all done?
Metro will have a fresher, more modern look. Refurbished trains and new tracks will help to improve reliability and offer a much smoother ride. The ticket machines offer flexible ways of paying for travel.
How can I find out about closures in advance?
Keep up to date by signing up for free email alerts here. Also visit our Planned Works calendar here.
If you are a local resident you can also find out about night-time work in your area here.
When will all the work be complete?
The Metro: all change programme is an 11 year project. It is estimated the entire project will reach completion in 2021.
For major line closures, why can't this work be done at nights or weekends?
Splitting a huge track replacement project down into nights or weekends would add enormously to the cost and disruption to local people and passengers, as well as increasing the risk to safety and reliability. It has been considered but is just not practical. This is once in a generation modernisation, rather than maintenance work which we would fit into nights as far as possible.