Metro services south of River Tyne face potential suspension amidst flyover closure

Tyne and Wear Metro trains may face a “strong possibility” of being unable to operate south of the River Tyne. This potential disruption is due to the closure of a flyover over safety concerns. Operations through tunnels beneath the Gateshead A167 flyover have been suspended since serious structural issues were identified with one of its concrete supporting pillars. Nexus, the operator, indicated it is exploring options for conducting basic train repairs. However, it acknowledged the need to be “realistic” about these efforts if trains cannot access the maintenance depot located in South Gosforth by crossing the river. Gateshead Council stated it is “working round the clock” to reinforce parts of the closed highway, aiming to allow trains to utilize the tunnel. Nevertheless, this work is not expected to be completed before the New Year. Services between Heworth and Monument have been halted since Thursday evening. Nexus confirmed that operations on the Sunderland line, specifically between Pelaw and South Hylton and Pelaw and South Shields, are continuing at a reduced frequency, with the aim to sustain this for “as long as possible”. Cathy Massarella, the managing director, cautioned that the inability to perform maintenance on trains south of the river would negatively impact their operational performance. She stated, “We are working closely with our partners at Stadler to see whether we can deliver some basic repairs but this, combined with the colder weather, means there is a strong possibility that we will be unable to sustain Metro services south of the River Tyne for the period of the tunnels being closed.” Stuart Clarke, Nexus infrastructure director, explained that the flyover requires stabilization before services can resume. He added that the service would recommence “whatever [Gateshead Council’s] decisions might be” regarding the flyover’s long-term future. Mr. Clarke informed BBC Radio Newcastle that a potential solution being considered by Nexus and the council involves propping up the flyover to enable services to resume “quickly”. He indicated that he was unable to provide a specific timescale “just yet”. Measures have been implemented to manage the ongoing disruption. Passengers awaiting replacement buses shared their reactions to the travel issues, with one remarking to the BBC: “Well it’s a bit of a joke.” The same individual added, “I’ve got a pram and it’s easy to get it on the Metro, not so much on a busy bus.” Conversely, another passenger commented, “It’s not been a big deal, I left a bit earlier and I’m used to getting a replacement bus. They’ve been pretty punctual.” Mr. Clarke stated, “We’re really aware of the significant disruption it’s causing but we’ve got to put safety first.” He further added, “We will get through it.” North East Mayor Kim McGuinness confirmed that she, along with Gateshead MP Mark Ferguson and council leader Martin Gannon, is scheduled to meet Transport Secretary Heidi Alexander on Monday.