Metro suspension likely to remain in place until New Year, says Nexus
Travellers expecting to use the Tyne and Wear Metro ahead of Christmas could face some travel issues as the line is expected to remain suspended between Heworth and Monument for some time.
Last updated 20th Dec 2024
Travellers expecting to use the Tyne and Wear Metro ahead of Christmas could face some travel issues as the line is expected to remain suspended between Heworth and Monument for some time.
It follows the sudden closure of Gateshead Flyover last Friday (13th) after inspections found a dangerous risk of the 1960's built structure collapsing.
Speed restrictions have been in place on the line since then, and the service was suspended this morning with no trains running between Heworth and Monument.
Today, Cathy Massarella, Managing Director at Nexus said:
“The Metro service remains suspended between Monument and Heworth as a precaution due to the ongoing closure of the A167 Gateshead Highway flyover.
“Following further specialist advice we received yesterday afternoon from Gateshead Council’s structural engineers, we had to immediately suspend services through the tunnels. The Metro tunnels run beneath the flyover.
“Gateshead Council engineers are working up plans to strengthen parts of the A167 flyover to enable us to reopen the tunnels. They have told us there is potential for this remedial work to be completed early in the new year. This unfortunately means the service suspension will be in place at least until then. We are working closely with colleagues at Gateshead Council and once the remedial work is completed, it will take us time to get back to a full service.
“This is an unprecedented situation and one of the biggest operational challenges we have faced in the history of the Tyne and Wear Metro. We’re aware of the significant disruption this will cause, however the safety of our customers and employees is our top priority.
“It is an evolving situation, and we are working hard to keep our customers updated around the services we are currently offering. We ask customers to plan in advance and allow more time for their journeys. A replacement bus service (900) is running between Monument and Heworth, and Metro tickets are being accepted on local bus routes.
“At the moment, Metro services are running on the Sunderland line between Pelaw and South Hylton and between Pelaw and South Shields at a reduced frequency.
“Metro trains continue to run north bound from Monument to Newcastle Airport on the Green Line. We also continue to run on the Yellow Line from St James to Monument via the North Tyneside coast.
“We hope to maintain these service levels for as long as possible, however, we need to be realistic about the impact of this closure. We are currently unable to maintain trains south of the River Tyne and this will impact our maintenance schedule and therefore the performance of these trains.
“However, we are working closely with our partners at Stadler to see whether we can deliver some basic repairs, but this, combined with the colder weather, means there is a strong possibility that we will be unable to sustain Metro services south of the River Tyne for the period of the tunnels being closed.
“Please be assured we are doing all that we can on this, working closely with partners. We will continue to keep customers updated and all the latest information can be found on the Nexus website: www.nexus.org.uk, the Pop App, and on the Metro’s X page (formerly Twitter) @My_Metro.”
North East Mayor Kim McGuinness issued shared this message on her X account;
"Update on the Gateshead Flyover and the @My_Metro suspension.
"1. It’s now clear Metro will be disrupted for around a fortnight and I have now been informed that services south of the Tyne may have to stop all together in the coming days as they can’t return their depot. This makes it even more urgent we act now.
"2. The urgent, temporary solution for struts to be put in place to secure the flyover. Gateshead council know they must deliver this asap and are getting on with it. They estimate around 14 days.
"3. Tyne tunnel will remain open in both directions with no lane closures, replacement buses are still operating and tickets can be used on Go North East services.
- I have arranged an urgent meeting with Transport Secretary, Heidi Alexander, which I will attend with Mark Ferguson MP The Gateshead MP and Martin Gannon The Gateshead council leader to discuss a permanent solution for the flyover."