An intense programme of maintenance will start on the Tyne and Wear Metro for 14 days, and will take place through the centre of Newcastle.
The work will see the renewal of overhead power lines to prepare for the new train fleet to enter service from 2023.
Nexus, who runs the Metro, has also brought forward more work on the section of line to coincide with the major line closure.
The work will start on Monday 15th February and will last for 14 days. Work to be completed will include:
- Replacing overhead wires from the 1980s
- Installation of escalator sanitisers at busy stations including Haymarket, Monument, Central Station and Gateshead.
- Platform repairs at West Jesmond
- Vegetation clearance between Ilford Road and South Gosforth.
- Lightbulbs to be changed at Gateshead Interchange
- Painting and maintenance work on the footbridge at South Gosforth
- Resurfacing and maintenance work at Felling
- Graffiti removal at West Jesmond, Jesmond and Gateshead Stadium
- Signalling work between South Gosforth and Felling
Major Projects Director at Nexus, Cathy Massarella, said: “This two-week line closure will involve some of the most intensive maintenance and modernisation work on the network for five years.”
“There is less than one week to go until this gets underway. There is no good time to shut such a big chunk of the network, and this work can only be undertaken effectively during an extended closure period. The current lockdown means that we are able to do the work while passenger numbers are low.”
“The power lines in our central area are ageing. They face the most wear and tear on a daily basis, and they need to be replaced as soon as practically possible, which is why this work is booked in for next week.”
“We will ensure there is a fast and reliable replacement bus service running when the Metro line is shut. We advise passengers to plan their journeys in advance before travelling of they need to make an essential journey.”
No metro services will operate between Heworth and Regent Centre / Four Lane Ends for 14 days and normal service will operate on Monday 1st March 2021.
Rail replacement buses will operate, and ticket acceptance will be in place with numbers 900 / 901 / X900 / X901.
Extra trains will be running on other lines to support social distancing and capacity.
11 Metro stations will be closed during the works: Longbenton, South Gosforth, Ilford Road, West Jesmond, Jesmond, Haymarket, Monument north/south platforms only, Central Station, Gateshead, Gateshead Stadium and Felling.
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