Metro closure between South Gosforth and Airport announced for nine days
The Metro between South Gosforth and the Airport will close for nine days while major track and station renewal work takes place.
Improvements carried out throughout the day and night from this Saturday, August 15 and the line will re-open on the morning of Monday, August 24.
Nexus is advising residents who live close to the Metro lines along the affected route to be prepared for track renewal and lineside estate works.
Nexus’ road-rail vehicles including the tamper and rail grinder will also be in use.
The major line closure allows for the multi-million-pound regeneration of Regent Centre interchange to progress, including the removal of the large metal canopy that covers the station’s roadway and Metro lines.
Other important works include: track renewal, station upgrades at Callerton Parkway, Bank Foot, Kingston Park, Fawdon and Wansbeck Road, cable repair work and lineside estate management.
Paul Welford, Major Projects Director at Nexus, said: “We are carrying out a major programme of renewal work right along Metro’s Green line between South Gosforth and Airport from this Saturday for nine consecutive days.
“I would like to apologise in advance for the disruption the works may cause to our customers and to our lineside neighbours.
“The range of work we are carrying out is vital for Metro’s long-term future. In many cases there will be large numbers of workers on track and heavy machinery and rail maintenance vehicles will be in use. We’ll be working 24/7 to get the work completed.
“There is no good time to close a line, and we do so to minimise disruption to as many customers as possible. Our plans consider school holidays, to ensure the least possible disruption to customers and the most efficient works.
“By scheduling these works during the schools’ summer break, we can avoid impacting busier commutes, and less congestion on the roads should speed up alternative travel times on replacement buses.
“Customers are advised to plan ahead and allow plenty of extra time to make their journeys through the affected area.”
A replacement bus service will run during the works, calling at or close to all affected Metro stations.