Project must be a priority
I write in response to recent coverage of the welcome campaign to reopen in full the mothballed Leamside rail line, with its potential to finally incorporate Washington to our Metro system.
Prior to Sunderland's Metro extension in 2002, many thought a link from Pelaw to Sunderland, via Penshaw and South Hylton, was the most likely route.
Washingtonians have paid towards the Metro since its inception, and towards Tyneside's infrastructure since 1974 with precious little benefit.
This project must be a top priority, with all party regional backing and Westminster acknowledgement, in line with promises made to invest in the North East.
Your contributor name and address supplied (Echo, February 10) made a valid argument that environmental considerations must be taken into account, should the project proceed.
It is also a powerful argument that electric light rail systems like Metro cut carbon emissions and help alleviate pressure on our roads, bus services and car parks.
Mainline freight also tackles reliance on heavy road haulage.
The controversial Beeching Plan and subsequent arbitrary cuts to the UK's rail network in the 1960s have proved disastrous, as many predicted.
Locally, the Durham to Sunderland link was lost.
Sadly, nationally, many fine structures were hastily and spitefully destroyed in acts of legalised vandalism, as if to make it difficult and costly to reinstate in the future, whilst roads have been built over track beds.
Fortunately, many lines have found established new uses as cycleways, bridleways and footpaths, such as National Cycle Route Where this is the case, reinstated rail lines should, if possible, incorporate these nearby, as they are equally important.
One of Wearside's finest landmarks is the Grade 2 Listed Victoria Viaduct over the Wear.
It currently carries a single mothballed track.
Such fine examples of design and engineering can easily be put back to their intended use.
They were built to last, just like the Grade 2 Listed Queen Alexandra Bridge.
Careful planning can reduce environmental impact, with tunnels, cuttings, sound proofing measures and landscaping.
The new Metro fleet, due from 2023, comprises state of the art Swiss built units, compliant with all current standards.
David M Caslaw. Sunderland.
“Washingtonians have paid towards the Metro since its inception.”