A busy section of Metro line through South Tyneside is to close for five days to allow for essential investment in new overhead power lines.
The planned closure will take place between Hebburn and South Shields from Monday 4 August to Friday 8 August. The affected route will re-open to Metro services on Saturday 9 August.
The works involve the overhead power system and will see a total of 1,600 metres of new contact wire and catenary installed, which is vital for the operation of the Metro system. This system is used to power the Metro trains and its renewal is part of a programme to ensure long term reliability of the network.
The focus of these works is in the area between Bede and Tyne Dock.
Nexus, the public body which runs Metro, said the work forms part of its Asset Renewal Programme – which involves the modernisation of key items of Metro infrastructure including tracks and overhead lines.
Paul Welford, Major Projects Director at Nexus, said: “We’re investing in overhead line equipment renewals for our Metro line in South Tyneside. This will ensure Metro continues to reliably serve the borough for many years to come.
“These wires are critical for the operation of Metro and we’re renewing them right across the Metro network in phases as part of our Metro Asset Renewal Programme.”
“The works can only be carried out safely during a five-day closure of the Metro line between Pelaw and South Shields.
“There is no good time to close a section of line, but our plans consider school holidays, least disruption to customers and the most efficient works. This project ensures that a vital section of the Metro system is future proofed and reliable for the long term.
“A frequent replacement bus service will run in the affected area so that customers can still travel around on public transport. The buses will get everyone where they need to be during the closure.”
In partnership with the Department for Transport (DfT), Nexus has been able to invest close to £1 billion in upgrading the Tyne and Wear Metro over the past 15 years.
This includes the new train fleet and works to remove single-track operations in South Tyneside, together with hundreds of other projects to replace life expired assets and equipment, ranging from new track, overhead line to structural repairs to bridges, tunnels and embankments as well as the replacement of obsolete communications systems with a digital equivalent.
Image credit: Nexus
