A new Metro line will finally connect Washington to the Tyne and Wear system, backed by a £1.85bn UK government investment after decades of delay. This is reported by the railway transport news portal Railway Supply.

A new Metro line will finally connect Washington to the Tyne and Wear system, backed by a £1.85bn UK government investment after decades of delay.
Nexus Map showing existing Tyne and Wear Metro lines, in yellow and blue, and proposed ones in red (for the Washington Metro Loop) and purple (illustrating future Leamside Line phases).
Nexus

The North East Combined Authority said £900m will go toward the route to Washington, with private sector support expected. The project should launch service in 2033.

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Nexus, which operates the Metro, called the plan historic and vital. Managing Director Cathy Massarella noted it opens a corridor along the disused Leamside Line, linking one of the region’s largest towns.

She added that the new Metro line will deliver faster, more reliable access to jobs and services across the North East.

Funding Boost for New Metro Line and Smart Travel

Mayor Kim McGuinness secured the investment after direct talks with Chancellor Rachel Reeves.

The funding comes as part of the City Region Sustainable Transport Settlement, running from 2027 to 2032.

Design work for stations, bridges, and infrastructure is already underway. The line will be part of a broader smart network using contactless travel across Metro, buses, and rail.

The project will also support new walking and cycling infrastructure, local road upgrades, and hundreds of EV charging stations.

New Metro Line Will Improve Jobs Access and Regional Growth

Sunderland City Council leader Michael Mordey welcomed the news. He said the direct Metro link will transform commutes for Washington residents and connect them to major employers like Nissan and the International Advanced Manufacturing Park.

He emphasized that locals had waited years to see Metro service expanded to Washington.

Rachel Anderson from the North East Chamber of Commerce said modern infrastructure is key to unlocking opportunity.

She stressed that the project’s impact will reach far beyond transit, driving job creation and regional economic growth.

Source: www.bbc.com

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