Metro line closures: which Newcastle and Tyneside stations will be affected by the urgent works?

A major Metro line will be closed in Newcastle and Tyneside from this weekend while modernisation work is carried out.

The latest planned Metro works will modernise the line between St James and Tynemouth, including the complete renewal of an ageing Metro bridge.

The closure is planned to last for two weeks from Saturday July 16 to Friday July 29.

Metro users will be able to use tickets and passes on 11 local bus services in the area.

Which stations will be affected by the temporary closures?

Due to the work being done, trains will be unable to pass through in both directions between St. James and Tynemouth. These are the stations that will be affected by the line closure:

Major Projects Director at Nexus, Cathy Massarella, said: “We are carrying out a big programme of renewal works in July which requires a 14-day major line closure of between St James and Tynemouth.

“These are vital works that will help to secure the long-term future of Metro for many generations to come. “We have packed the works into a two-week period to avoid many months of weekend shutdowns.

“We have also planned this during the school summer holidays when trains are less busy. I apologise in advance to anyone who has their journey disrupted.”

She continued: “The works include the £3m replacement of Tanners Bank Metro bridge, which carries 173 train services a day between Newcastle and North Tyneside.

“This bridge is a vital part of Metro’s infrastructure which now needs to be replaced. The current bridge was built in 1853, and has served Metro for 41 years since we took the line over – but this summer is the right time to replace it.

“The new structure will ensure that we can run trains in this area for many more generations to come, and the new one will allow greater clearance above the road so that more buses and commercial vehicles are able to get down to North Shields Fish Quay. The greater clearance also reduces the risk of bridge strikes by vehicles, which cause great disruption to Metro passengers.”