Public engagement events are being held for people to find out more about the Metro to Washington project, following news that a new £1.85bn funding deal for transport in the region has been secured by North East Mayor Kim McGuinness.
Nine public drop-in sessions will be taking place from mid-June, giving local residents the opportunity to meet members of the project team from Nexus, to find out more about the project, provide feedback and ask questions.
Metro to Washington is a new 13km extension to the Tyne and Wear Metro system which forms a key part of North East Mayor Kim McGuinness’ work to transform local transport and create an integrated network spanning the region.
Using former railway alignments, including part of the Leamside Line, Metro to Washington will link existing stations at Pelaw and South Hylton via Washington. The extension includes new stations at Follingsby, Washington North and Washington South. Metro to Washington runs along the northern section of the Leamside Line – with work also underway to re-open the railway line in full in the future.
Nexus is already underway with the technical work required for the extension including technical designs, development of a land and consents strategy, environmental assessments, ground investigations, operational considerations and high-level estimates of costs and economic benefits.
The new line is expected to see the first trains run in 2033, just over 30 years since the Metro line through Sunderland opened.
North East Mayor Kim McGuiness said: “When I was first elected, I pledged to extend the Metro, so I am delighted that we are making this a reality – we are bringing the Metro to Washington.
“These drop-in engagement events are the ideal opportunity for the public to find out more about the project so please come along to find out more.
“I am thrilled that we will deliver the biggest expansion of Metro for more than 30 years – adding new stations and connecting more communities like Washington to enhanced opportunities that will benefit local people for generations to come.
Paul Welford, Major Projects Director at Nexus, said: “This series of engagement events will give the public a chance to find out more about the Metro to Washington project. It’s an opportunity for people to give us their views and ask us any questions.
“The format will be informal drop-in sessions, so that people can pop in and speak to us on a one to one basis. All of the feedback that we receive will be critical as we shape the project.”
The full list of Metro to Washington public engagement events:
• Tuesday 17 June: Washington Millenium Centre, Concord, Washington, 3:30pm-6.30pm
• Wednesday 18 June: Columbia Community Association, Hillthorne Close, Washington, 3:30pm-6.30pm
• Thursday 19 June: Tansey Centre, Church Street, South Hylton, Sunderland 3:30pm-6.30pm
• Monday 23 June: Mickey’s Place, St Michael's Church, Manor Road, Sulgrave, 10am-12pm
• Tuesday 24 June: Transform North East (Top Club), Manor Rd, Washington, 2:30pm - 5:30pm
• Wednesday 25 June: Washington Library, 0 Washington Highway, Washington, 3.30pm-6.30pm
• Thursday 26 June: Heworth Metro station, Gateshead, 8.30am-12pm.
• Monday 30 June: Hebburn Central, South Tyneside, 3.30-6.30pm.
• Tuesday 1 July: Washington Arts Centre, Biddick Lane, Washington, 3.30pm-6.30pm.