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More Funding Announced for Metro Expansion
An additional £8 million has been pledged to support the extension of the Tyne and Wear Metro. North East mayor Kim McGuinness announced the funding, which will go towards creating a business case for extending the Metro to Washington via the disused Leamside Line.
Mayor’s Confidence in Project Delivery
Labour mayor Kim McGuinness expressed her confidence in the project, stating, “I wouldn’t do the business case if I didn’t think that we would be able to deliver the Metro.” She emphasized that the substantial investment is aimed at ultimately enabling Metro services to operate on this track.
Proposed Route and Costs
The proposed expansion would see the Metro network extend from its current endpoint in South Hylton through Washington, then onto Follingsby, before rejoining at Pelaw. This extension is projected to cost approximately £745 million and represents the first system expansion in over 20 years.
Official Statements and Future Plans
Gateshead Council leader and deputy mayor Martin Gannon expressed optimism about the project’s feasibility, saying, “Rather than a project that was decades out, we are now within touching distance.” He also voiced confidence in securing the necessary funding to bring the project to fruition.
Nexus, the Metro operator, plans significant activity on the Leamside Line, including ground investigations to assess what construction will be needed. Cathy Massarella, managing director at Nexus, noted that these investigations are crucial for understanding the project’s requirements.
Political and Financial Challenges
Despite the renewed focus on the Leamside Line, the project faces political and financial challenges. The Leamside Line was removed from former Prime Minister Rishi Sunak’s Network North transport programme shortly after its announcement. Additionally, the Labour Party has yet to commit to the full restoration of the Leamside Line, which would exceed £1 billion in costs.
Mayor McGuinness acknowledged these hurdles but remained determined to secure the necessary funding. She mentioned that conversations with the new Labour government would be crucial, and regional transport officials might need to explore partnerships with private businesses to finance the project.
Source: BBC
