Nexus launch Metro Flow programme to remove all single track from system

Nexus has launched its Metro Flow project which will boost the Metro's capacity by 24,000 passengers every day.

The main feature o the plan sees three sections of track that can currently only carry one train at a time be widened to allow trains to path in both directions.

The stretch of Metro line involved is between Pelaw and Bede Metro stations.

These sections are located between Pelaw and Hebburn (800 metres), Hebburn and Jarrow (1.4km) and Jarrow and Bede (600 metres).

The pinch points are the only ones remaining on the Metro network as is 'highly unusual' on a mass transit system as it creates a 'traffic light problem'.

This means drivers must wait for the green light each time they make a journey along these sections of single track.

The benefits of the Metro Flow work will mean that train frequency increases to one every 10 minutes outside of central areas.

In turn, this allows an extra 24,000 passengers to use the network every day.

In order for the work to be completed, there will be a 12-week closure of the Metro line between Pelaw and South Shields immediately following the Great North Run 2022 on September 11.

There will also be two-weekend closures, one in late June and another in early July 2022.