Metro suspended due to overhead line damage caused by fallen tree - updates (2024)

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Metro disruption to run into Friday

The disruption caused to the Metro after a tree fell onto a section of the track will run into Friday.

Metro services are to remain suspended between Shiremoor and Tynemouth on Friday, 31 May, due to overhead lines being significantly damaged by a fallen tree.

A Nexus statement said:

We are working to repair 500 metres of downed wires in the Whitley Bay area, and the scale of the works is such that the disruption will run into Friday.

A replacement bus service, 900, should be running in the affected area. Customers are advised to check for information before travelling and to allow plenty of extra time to make their journeys.

Our engineers need to remove the fallen tree and they will then work to re-install the overhead lines – which is critical for providing Metro trains with their power supply.

The tree fell on to the stretch of Metro line between Whitley Bay and Monkseaton around 3pm on Thursday afternoon, 30 May.

We’re sorry for the inconvenience this issue is causing our customers.

Nexus release more pictures as replacement buses are put on

Nexus has released more pictures as replacement buses are put on in place of the Metro. Replacement bus 900 between S.Gosforth and Shiremoor and limited bus replacement 901 is operating between Shiremoor & Tynemouth

One lane closed on A19

One lane closed due to broken down vehicle on A19 Southbound at A183 Chester Road. Traffic is coping well.

Further tree pictures show scale of problem

Further pictures of the fallen tree on the Metro line shows the scale of the issue

Picture of tree that's caused Metro misery

A picture of the tree that has fallen on to the Metro tracks today

Fallen tree causes damage to Metro lines

Nexus has released a statement after a tree fell on overhead Metro lines near Tynemouth

A Nexus spokesperson said:

Metro services are currently suspended between Four Lane Ends and Tynemouth due to a fallen tree on the overhead lines. This has been ongoing since 3pm.

The fallen tree is located in the Whitley Bay area and caused has damage to Metro power lines.

Our engineers are working to get this issue resolved as soon as they possibly can. They will assess the extent of the damage, get the tree removed and then repair the overhead wires.

Customers can use their Metro tickets and passes on local bus routes. This includes Arriva 57 and 57A, Go North East buses 1, 352, 353, 354, 355 and 317, and Stagecoach buses 38 and 63.

We’re sorry for the inconvenience caused to customers. Please allow extra time to travel through the affected areas.

Long delays on A1 due to broken down vehicle

Long delays and one lane closed due to broken down vehicle on A1 Western Bypass Southbound from J69 A692 Lobley Hill Road (Dunston Interchange) to J65 A1(M) J65 Birtley. In the roadworks area.

Metro suspended between Four Lane Ends and Tynemouth due to overhead line damage caused by fallen tree

Tyne and Wear Metro Service suspended between Four Lane Ends and Tynemouth in both directions due to overhead line damage caused by a fallen tree.

Delays of 45 minutes on A1 Western Bypass Southbound

Long delays on A1 Western Bypass Southbound from J67 Kingsway South, Coalhouse Roundabout, to J65 A1(M) J65 Birtley. In the roadworks area. Travel time is around 45 minutes.

Nexus issues statement after earlier service suspension due to a signalling problem - the service has resumed

A Nexus spokesperson said:

Our apologies to customers for the disruption to Metro services on the Airport line this morning.

A signalling fault meant we had to halt Metro services between South Gosforth and Kingston Park from around 7.20am until 8.14am.

Customers were provided with Metro ticket acceptance on local bus routes during the disruption.

North East Ambulance Service statement

A North East Ambulance Service spokesperson said:

We were called to a road traffic collision this morning (30 May) at 8:42am on Billy Lane at Barnard Castle. We dispatched two ambulance crews, one clinical team leader and supported by our colleagues at Great North Air Ambulance Service. One patient was taken to hospital by GNAAS.

One person airlifted to hospital following collision with car and lorry

One person has been airlifted to hospital following a collision between a car and a lorry at Kinninvie Crossroads.

Map shows the location of the collision at Kinninvie Crossroads

Map shows the location of the collision at Kinninvie Crossroads, County Durham, this morning at around 8.45am. Road closures remain in place.

The B6279 and Billy Lane closed after 'serious' collision with a car and a lorry

Emergency services are currently at the scene of a serious collision at Kinninvie crossroads, in County Durham.

At approximately 8.45am today, Durham Constabulary were called to a collision involving a car and a lorry.

The B6279 and Billy Lane have been closed in both directions while emergency services work at the scene.

Drivers are asked to avoid the area and find an alternative route.

Update on A1 lane closures following discovery of a four-metre-deep cavity

Lane closures remain in place for the safety of drivers following the discovery of a four-metre-deep cavity near the junction 65 exit slip.

Lane 1 heading southbound will remain closed between junctions 66 and just past the junction 65 exit slip road throughout the day this week, reducing the A1 to a single lane.

Meanwhile, junction 65 southbound exit slip will also remain closed, meaning there will still be no access to the A1231 from the A1 southbound. Non-motorway traffic is being diverted to leave the A1 at junction 66.

Broken down vehicle at A690 Durham Road

A19 Southbound lane closed on entry slip road due to a broken down vehicle at A690 Durham Road, Herrington Interchange. Traffic is coping well.

Very slow traffic on A1 Western Bypass Southbound

Very slow traffic on A1 Western Bypass Southbound from J67 Kingsway South, Coalhouse Roundabout, to J65 A1(M) J65 Birtley in the roadworks area. Travel time is around 20 minutes.

Blagdon Lane and Old Great North Road reopen following earlier collision

Road closures were put in place on Blagdon Lane and a section of the Old Great North Road between Cramlington and Seaton Burn and were expected to remain closed for some time. The roads have now reopened.

Metro services have resumed between Regent Centre and Kingston Park

Metro services have resumed between Regent Centre and Kingston Park. Passengers may experience some delays but staff are working to return to normal timetable as soon as possible.

Update for Metro passengers travelling to Newcastle Airport

Metro passengers travelling to Newcastle Airport are advised to exit at Haymarket and transfer to the Stagecoach North East bus service X77 or X78 towards Airport. Both services ar now accepting Metro tickets.

Local bus services accepting Metro tickets amid service suspension

Some local bus services are accepting Metro tickets due to the ongoing service suspension between Regent Centre and Kingston Park.

Ticket acceptance is in place on:

• Stagecoach services 6, 7, 30, and X47
• All Arriva bus services in the affected area.

Staff are on route to make repairs.

Metro service suspended between Regent Centre to Kingston Park

Tyne and Wear Metro reports a "significant" service suspension on the Green Line between Regent Centre to Kingston Park in both directions due to signalling problems at Regent Centre.

Services on the Yellow Line are not impacted, but there may be slight changes to their schedules.

Delays of 13 minutes on the approach to the Tyne Bridge

Here are the current travel times on the approaches to the Tyne Bridge:

• A167 Gateshead Highway (Northbound) - Whitehall Road to Tyne Bridge (South) - 4 minutes 18 seconds

• A184/A167 (Westbound) - Gateshead Stadium to A167 Tyne Bridge (South) - 5 minutes 42 seconds

• A167(M) Central Motorway East (Southbound) - Cowgate to Tyne Bridge (South) - 13 minutes 40 seconds

• A167(M) Central Motorway East (Southbound) - A193 New Bridge Street to Tyne Bridge (South) - 5 minutes 44 seconds

Old Great North Road between Cramlington and Seaton Burn is closed due to collision

Offcers are currently at the scene of a collision in Northumberland.

Blagdon Lane and a section of the Old Great North Road between Cramlington and Seaton Burn is closed and is expected to remain so for some time.

Northumbria Police is advising drivers to avoid the area and seek alternative routes.

Rail disruption due to a landslip

Northern Rail disruption between Newcastle and Hexham/Carlisle are being due to a landslip in the Corbridge area. Network Rail engineers are on site.

Welcome

Good morning and welcome to Thursday's traffic and travel blog.

Here you will find all the latest on the region's roads, Metros, trains and buses and travel disruption.