T&W Metro’s expansion starts

A start on the installation of 138 new overhead line masts is the first evidence of the £103 million dualling of three sections of track that will cut journey times and improve reliability on the Tyne & Wear Metro.

The scheme’s major works will take place between September 12 and December 5. The route between Pelaw and South Shields will be shut, with services across the gap replaced by buses.

However, the majority of the Metro Flow works will be completed during two weekend closures at the end of June and beginning of July.

The lion’s share of the cost (£95m) is coming from the Government’s Transforming Cities Fund, which also allows the purchase of four extra new trains.

The sections of line to be upgraded are between Pelaw and Hebburn (875 yards), Hebburn and Jarrow (1,500 yards), and Jarrow and Bede (650 yards).