The control room based in South Gosforth that oversees the Tyne and Wear Metro is set to undergo an £8.8 million technology upgrade aimed at improving the reliability of the systems that support the network’s daily operations. These upgrades follow years of planning by Nexus, looking towards maintaining and modernising the network for the future.

As part of the project, key infrastructure will be modernised to a digital standard. This includes systems controlling the Metro’s power supply, fire and intruder alarms, lighting, lifts, escalators and tunnel drainage pumps.

The existing Supervisory Control and Data Acquisition (SCADA) system was installed in the mid-1990s. Upgrading to more up-to-date technology will allow for faster fault detection and more rapid responses across the Tyne and Wear Metro system, reducing disruption for passengers.

The existing system will remain in operation until the new one has been fully installed and tested.

Most Metro services will continue to operate as normal. However, a limited number of early morning and late evening network-wide closures will be needed to allow the work to be completed safely.

To reduce disruption, these closures have been planned around bank holidays. Metro services will not operate between 5 am and 10 am on Easter Monday (6 April), from 8.30 pm on Sunday 3 May, and until 10.30 am on Monday 4 May.

Additionally, no trains will run between Pelaw and South Hylton on 3 and 4 May due to separate infrastructure work being carried out by Network Rail.

Replacement bus services will be provided, and travel information will be available through the Pop app and on the Nexus website.

“This project is a major investment in new technology for our Metro control room at South Gosforth and is vital for Metro’s long-term future.  

“It is a project which has been meticulously planned over the last two years to ensure the least possible amount of disruption to our customers. However, some late and early closures will be required so that we can switch across to the new digital equipment.” 

Stuart Clarke, Infrastructure Director at Nexus.

“The SCADA system is essential for the safe and effective operation of Metro. It enables us to remotely manage the high and low voltage power supplies and other key things like lighting, lifts, escalators and fire alarms. 

“The new system will allow us to resolve infrastructure issues more effectively, which will mean less disruption for our customers.  

“Where services are impacted, customers will be provided with replacement buses and I apologise in advance for the disruption. Customers are advised to be aware of the closure dates and allow plenty of extra time for their journeys.”

Stuart Clarke, Infrastructure Director at Nexus.