Passengers on the Tyne and Wear Metro serving South Tyneside are advised to plan ahead and allow extra time for their journeys as a section of the line is set to undergo a major overhead line renewal this spring.

The line between Pelaw and South Shields will be closed from Monday, 13 April to Friday, 17 April, reopening on Saturday, 18 April. During the works, around 3,200 metres of new overhead wire will be installed to improve reliability.

A replacement bus service will operate, serving all affected stations.

The work has been scheduled over the Easter holiday to minimise disruption and benefit from lighter road traffic.

Operator Nexus says the scheme is part of its Asset Renewal Programme. Additional works during the closure will include track, signalling, structural inspections, station maintenance and lineside management.

“This is a key investment in our overhead lines to ensure that Metro can continue to serve South Tyneside long into the future.  

“Overhead wires are absolutely critical to our operation, and we are currently engaged in a rolling programme of replacing this key part of our infrastructure right across the system.  

“There is no good time to close a line, and we do so to minimise disruption to as many customers as possible. Our plans consider school holidays, to ensure the least possible disruption to customers and the most efficient works. ”

Paul Welford, Major Projects Director at Nexus.