An historic Metro footbridge in North Tyneside is back open to the public following major restoration work.
The bridge at Whitley Bay Metro station has been carefully restored to its former glory and went back into use for customers earlier today, Monday 8 June.
The work is the final part of a multi-million-pound renewal scheme at the Grade II Listed station, which has already seen its canopy completely restored.
Works have included structural repairs, strengthening of steelwork, installation of new decking, stairs, handrails, a full repaint, new wayfinding signage, seats, and improved accessibility features.
Whitley Bay Metro station is a key gateway into North Tyneside, which see 1.2 million customer journeys a year.
The works were part of the Metro Asset Renewal Programme, which includes investment in Metro stations, tracks, overhead line and other essential pieces of infrastructure.
Paul Welford, Major Projects Director at Nexus, said: “I’m pleased to confirm that we have completed our restoration work on the footbridge at Whitley Bay Metro station.
“This allows us to get the bridge back into use for our customers and we’re grateful to them for all their patience while it has been closed.
“The project ensures that this historic structure has been restored to its former glory so it can continue to serve our customers for many years to come, dovetailing with the wider renewal work at this station that we completed last year.
“This station has proudly served Metro since the network opened in 1980 and it’s a key gateway into the borough of North Tyneside and it’s coastline.”
Martin Ellis, G&B Civil Engineering Contracts Manager, said: “As a local company, we can take enormous pride from restoring such a historic structure back to its former glory, thus allowing Nexus to re-open the footbridge to the general public after a significant period of closure.
“The works carried out are a testament to the diligence and skills of our own workforce who have carried out the refurbishment works in conjunction with a number of specialist North East based sub-contractors. We also would like to thank Nexus and North Tyneside Council for their input and co-ordination throughout the initial design and subsequent build period, to enable these works to be progressed to a satisfactory conclusion.”
Deputy Mayor of North Tyneside Councillor Carl Johnson said: “Whitley Bay Metro station is an important gateway for our residents and visitors to our Blue Flag beaches and award-winning St Mary's Lighthouse.
“It’s fantastic to see this historic footbridge fully restored and back in use. It’s another great example of investment in North Tyneside's transport infrastructure, while preserving the character of a much loved station.”
Whitley Bay station gained its listed status in 1986, six years after the Tyne and Wear Metro system was opened.
Gateshead-based G&B Civil Engineering carried out the project on behalf of Nexus.