Metros will run to and from South Shields again this week after a three-month shut down to improve the line.
Stations between Pelaw and South Shields have been closed since September 12 for the Metro Flow project, which has seen a 4.6km of section of track replaced along with the installation of a new overheard line and signalling.
The project duals the Metro track between Pelaw and Bede, which will allow for more trains to run than before, as the "pinch points" where Metros had to wait for trains in the opposite direction to pass are gone.
Read more: Reopening of Metro line between South Shields and Pelaw delayed again
Initially, Nexus hoped to run Metros between Pelaw and South Shields by early December, but delays led to the reopening being moved to Monday December 12 and then delayed again.
Now, Nexus says the line should reopen on Wednesday.
When will Tyne Wear Metro reopen between Pelaw the South Shields
Metro services will be restored to several stations South Tyneside from Wednesday December 14, Nexus says.
Hebburn, Jarrow, Bede, Simonside, Tyne Dock, Chicester and South Shields stations will all reopen and South Shields bound trains will no longer all terminate at Pelaw. It will mean direct Metro journeys between Newcastle stations and South Shields will return.
The Pelaw to South Shields section should not be affected by Network Rail staff going on strike on Tuesday December 13 and Wednesday December 14, although no trains will run from Pelaw to South Hylton on those days. That is because Nexus shares track with Network Rail in the Sunderland area, so signals can not be operated safely when Network Rail staff strike.
Why was the Metro Flow reopening delayed?
Nexus needed extra time to test the new overhead line and signal systems to make sure Metro and freight trains can run side by side. It said, for safety reasons, the reopening could not be rushed.
Major Projects Director at Nexus, Cathy Massarella, said: “We will have Metro services back up and running between Pelaw and South Shields on Wednesday morning, 14 December.
“The bulk of the works on the new tracks and signals are finished along the 4.6km stretch, but we need to extend for the final few pieces of work on the overhead power lines, which we need to get done right so that we can run the trains.
“We understand customers are frustrated that this major £104m renewal programme has been extended again and we’re sorry for the inconvenience and disruption this causes.
“Metro Flow involves converting a freight line for Metro trains with both sharing the track in future. It is essential we do not rush the re-opening, so we must complete the new overhead lines, which are essential so that Metro trains have the high voltage power they need to operate.
“Our frequent replacement bus service will remain in place for customers. This includes a bus that calls at all Metro stations on the route and a rapid express bus that runs from Heworth straight to Jarrow and South Shields.”
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