South Shields will be starved of a Metro service for up to an extra week than planned due to delays in the Metro Flow project.
The Metro line between Pelaw and South Shields has been shut since September 12 so engineers can dual sections of the track to increase capacity. It was due to reopen on Sunday December 4, with Nexus saying earlier in November the project was running to schedule, but the line will remain shut for 'up to' an extra week, Nexus says.
Nexus says the delay is necessary so contractors can complete the final stretch of overhead power lines and test safety signals across the 4.6km of route.
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Major Projects Director at Nexus, Cathy Massarella, said: “We are very close to re-opening the Metro line between Pelaw and South Shields but our contractors need up to one more week to complete this complex project.
“I want to apologise to Metro customers who were looking forward to being back on trains at the start of next week and assure you we have a revised programme to make this happen as soon as possible. We’ll keep customers updated on what day next week the line will re-open.
“Metro Flow involves converting a freight line for Metro trains with both sharing the track in future. It is essential we do not rush the re-opening, so we must complete and test new signal systems fully before passenger services operate.
Stations closed due to the Metro Flow works are Hebburn, Jarrow, Bede, Simonside, Tyne Dock, Chichester and South Shields.
Metro passengers can use their tickets on replacement buses.
Ms Massarella added: “Our frequent replacement bus service will remain in place for customers. This includes a bus that calls at all Metro stations on the route and a rapid express bus that runs from Heworth straight to Jarrow and South Shields.”
The delay adds to disruption for Metro passengers in Gateshead, South Tyneside and Sunderland. Damage caused by flooding at an electrical substation in Pallion means there are no trains between Park Lane in Sunderland and South Hylton until at least 2023 and a reduced service is operating between Pelaw and Park Lane.
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