Metro’s Yellow Line to undergo major renewal work

The work will take place during a nine-day major line closure in both directions between St James and Monkseaton, Saturday 24 October to Sunday 1 November.

The affected route will re-open to Metro services on the morning of Monday 2 November. Buses will replace trains during the works, calling at or close to all affected Metro stations.

Works involve the renewal of key sections of track including junctions in east Newcastle and overhead line and switching components in North Tyneside.

Between Walkergate and Wallsend the Metro tracks and the track bed itself will be renewed, which requires 1,500 metres of new rail and replacement of timber sleepers.

This work adopts a new approach that Nexus refers to as ‘Fixed Area Planning’. This means works are maximised in particular areas of the Metro system at specific points in the year. There will be more activity in that one area during this closure but the likelihood of having to revisit and disrupt the area for future works in the short term is reduced.

Work will take place right around the clock to maximise this particular closure including other important works such as infrastructure maintenance, lineside estate management, station upgrades and structural inspections.

Lineside residents whose homes or businesses are close to the Metro lines may see track and lineside estate works right along the affected route, including rail vehicles and machinery.

The project forms part of the wider Metro Asset Renewal Programme of rolling investment to modernise key parts of the railway’s infrastructure and extend the life and reliability of the system.

Scheduling the work to take place during the half term school break helps avoid impacting busier commutes, with generally less road traffic to help with alternative travel measures.

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 full programme of works is part of our major ongoing investment in Metro infrastructure.

“We will be replacing track, overhead line equipment and other vital pieces of infrastructure, to increase reliability and ensure that we have a functional Metro system for many years to come.

“There is no good time to close a line, and we always try to minimise disruption to as many customers as possible. Our plans always consider school holidays, to ensure the least possible disruption to customers.

“By scheduling these works during half term, we can avoid impacting busier commutes, and less congestion on the roads should speed up alternative travel times on replacement buses.

“Customers are advised to plan ahead and allow plenty of extra time to make their journeys through the affected area. We’re sorry for any inconvenience caused.

“We are committed to carefully planning these closures throughout the year to maximise works and minimise repeated disruption in the same area in the future.”