Nexus has unveiled the latest proposals for the planned extension of the Tyne and Wear Metro to Washington.
The proposed route and locations of each of the new stations has now been published, as a series of public engagement events get underway.
There are to be three new stations: Follingsby, Washington North and Washington South, as well as the historic Victoria Viaduct being brought back into use – built in 1838, the structure closed to passenger trains in 1964 but continued to be used for freight transport until 1991. It has not been used for trains since.
Nexus has proposed locating one of its Washington stations in the Sulgrave area of the town and the other near the Fatfield, Columbia and Teal Farm districts.
The third would be built near Follingsby Lane, but the names of the stations have yet to be decided.
The 13km (eight miles) extension plays a critical role in North East Mayor Kim McGuinness’ vision to transform local transport.
The £900m scheme to add a line through Washington was unveiled June 2025 and it is hoped trains will start running along it in 2033.
Multiple road and rail alterations will be required for the new route, including installing a new track at Pelaw, diverting the A1290 over the railway in Washington and building a new A19 underpass.
After crossing the viaduct, trains will run on a new line south of Coxgreen Road towards South Hylton..
The public can find out more and ask questions of the project team at a series of 14 engagement events. Details are at www. nexus.org.uk.
There is an also an option to provide feedback at nexus.org.uk/metrotowashington where there is an also an option to provide feedback.
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