Metro track redevelopment for new trains scheduled in Gosforth

Major metro track renewals are set to take place in and around Gosforth to prepare the network for new trains.

Nexus, the public body which owns and manages Metro, is to replace tracks and a key track junction between South Gosforth and Regent Centre.

The work will see sections of track, sleepers and ballast completely replaced at a key access point which serves the current Metro depot – and which will serve the new £70m depot on the same site when completed.

The works will be carried out over two weekends – February 12-13 and March 5-6. On Each weekend there will be no Metro services operating between Airport and South Gosforth. A frequent and accessible replacement bus service will run in the areas where Metro trains are not running.

Major projects director at Nexus, Cathy Massarella, said: “We are carrying out vital track renewal work between Regent Centre and South Gosforth over two weekends as part of our modernisation programme.

“We are replacing a key section of line which serves the Metro depot. The junction there will be vital for getting the new trains in and out of the new £70m Gosforth depot, which is really starting to take shape. These works will secure the future of Metro for many years to come.

“There is no good time to close a large section of the network, but we are working at weekends when customer numbers are lower in order to keep the level of disruption to a minimum.”

During both weekend closures Fawdon level crossing on Fawdon Lane will be closed to traffic and a diversion will in place. The crossing will remain open for pedestrians to get across.

The Government has provided funding for Nexus to invest in Metro’s infrastructure in order to secure the long-term future of the network, and to get it ready for the first new train arriving at the end of this year.

Stadler, the Swiss train manufacturer, is building 46 new Metro trains for Nexus.

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