A busy section of Metro line in Newcastle is to close for four days to allow for level crossing renewal works.
The planned closure will take place between Regent Centre and the Airport from Thursday 29 May to Sunday 1 June. The affected route will re-open to Metro services on Monday 2 June.
The Metro level crossings at Callerton Parkway and Bank Foot are to undergo modernisation work, which includes the road surfacing on the crossings and the installation of new track ballast.
As part of Nexus’ approach to undertake as much work as possible during any closures, other important works such as bridge repairs, signalling cable renewal, graffiti removal, and re-painting the yellow safety lines on Metro station platforms will take place.
The work forms part of our Asset Renewal Programme – which involves the modernisation of key items of Metro infrastructure including tracks and overhead lines.
Buses will replace trains during the closure and provide a frequent service through to Newcastle International Airport. Customers are advised to plan ahead and allow extra time when travelling through the affected area.
Paul Welford, Major Projects Director at Nexus, said: “This is vital renewal work on two of our Metro level crossings on the green line. We’re also packing in a host of other key modernisation schemes to make the most of the four-day closure as well.
“In order to carry out this project safely, buses will replace trains between South Gosforth and Airport, from 29 May to 1 June.
“We’re sorry for the inconvenience this may cause. Customers should plan ahead and allow extra time to travel during the closure.
“There is no good time to close such large sections of line, but we need a four-day window to get it done safely, ensuring a vital section of the Metro system is renewed.
“A frequent replacement bus service will run in the affected area so that customers can still travel around. While the buses won’t be quite as quick as Metro services, they will get everyone where they need to be during the closure.”
In partnership with the Department for Transport (DfT), Nexus has been able to invest close to £1 billion in upgrading the Tyne and Wear Metro over the past 15 years.
This includes the new train fleet and works to remove single-track operations in South Tyneside, together with hundreds of other projects to replace life expired assets and equipment, ranging from new track, overhead line to structural repairs to bridges, tunnels and embankments as well as the replacement of obsolete communications systems with a digital equivalent.