ON SCHEDULE:

The ‘Metro Flow’ project to dual three sections of the single-track Tyne & Wear Metro route between Pelaw and Souths Shields was expected to be completed on December 4, as planned. By the end of October, 3 kilometres (1.86 miles) of new track had been installed and over 4000 new sleepers and 16,000 tonnes of ballast had been laid. The project has involved integrating the adjacent Pelaw-Jarrow freight route into the system so this can be shared with Metro services, giving scope for improved frequency and reliability. With a ballast train occupying the freight line, work is pictured underway between Pelaw and Hebburn on October 4.