A busy section of Metro line serving South Tyneside is to undergo a programme of investment in overhead line. A total of 3,200 metres of new overhead wire will be installed during the project.
The project will take place during a five-day major line closure between Pelaw and South Shields, Monday 13 April to Friday 17 April. The affected route will re-open to Metro services on Saturday 18 April.
A replacement bus service will run during the works, calling at or close to all affected Metro stations.
Scheduling works during the Easter holiday avoids impacting busier commutes, with less road traffic to help speed up alternative travel times on replacement buses.
Metro operator Nexus said the work is part of its Asset Renewal Programme – which involves the modernisation of key items of Metro infrastructure, including tracks and overhead lines.
As part of Nexus’ approach to undertake as much work as possible during any planned line closures, other important works include track engineering, signalling maintenance, structural inspections, station maintenance and lineside estate management will also be carried out.
Customers are being advised to plan ahead and allow extra time when travelling through the affected area.
Paul Welford, major projects director at Nexus, said: “This is a key investment in our overhead lines to ensure that Metro can continue to serve South Tyneside long into the future.
“Overhead wires are absolutely critical to our operation, and we are currently engaged in a rolling programme of replacing this key part of our infrastructure right across the system.
“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’ Easter 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. We’re sorry for any inconvenience caused.”
Image credit: Nexus
