Metro section to shut for new track and junction

The line between Benton and Wallsend will be shut in the last week of October

A section of the Tyne and Wear Metro is to close for a week to allow new track and a junction to be installed.

The closure between Benton and Wallsend in North Tyneside will last from 26 to 31 October, with a planned reopening on Saturday 1 November.

The junction and 600m (1,968ft) of track will be replaced at Monkseaton, while other work would be undertaken including landscape management, track maintenance and station repairs at Tynemouth and Whitley Bay.

Nexus said replacement buses would be provided during the closure and advised people to plan their journeys ahead.

The operator said the number 900 bus would serve as a rail replacement, operating from Four Lane Ends Interchange to Wallsend, calling at or near all Metro stations on the route.

Project director Paul Welford said: "There is no good time to close a section of line, but our plans consider school holidays to ensure the least possible disruption to customers and the most efficient works."