Two weekend Metro line closures are happening in January and February to allow for further major works on the new £70m Gosforth Metro depot as it prepares to welcome the new trains.
Stadler, the Swiss train manufacturer who are building the new Metro depot on behalf of Nexus, need to replace track, overhead lines and signals at the eastern end of the depot site.
Nexus, who own and manage Metro, will also be undertaking track and overhead line improvement works and vegetation clearance on other areas of the network during these closures in order to pack in as much work as possible.
The two 48 hour closures are:
• Saturday January 21 / Sunday January 22: No Metro services Four Lane Ends to South Gosforth and from South Gosforth to Airport.
• Saturday February 11 / Sunday February 12: No Metro services Four Lane Ends to Haymarket.
During each closure a frequent replacement bus service (900) will be in operation calling at stations on the affected routes. Customers, where possible, can also get into Newcastle by travelling on Metro via Wallsend.
Metro Infrastructure Director, Stuart Clarke, said: “A huge amount of work is being packed into these two weekends, including essential maintenance and vital works by Stadler as they look to complete the next phase of £70m Metro depot project.
“We always try to work at weekends in order to minimise the amount of disruption to customers, and I apologise in advance for any inconvenience these line closures cause.
“Replacement buses will be provided and our advice is allow plenty of extra time if you’re making a journey through the affected area on either of the two weekends when there are closures of line.”