Metro to Washington plans are unveiled
The latest proposals for the planned extension of the Tyne and Wear Metro to Washington have been unveiled.
In a significant moment for the project, the proposed route and locations of each of the new stations has been published for the first time, as a series of public engagement events get underway.
The proposals outline three new stations – located at Follingsby, Washington North and Washington South – as well as seeing the line cross the River Wear via the Victoria viaduct, travel towards and under the A19, and connect with the current network at South Hylton.
The 13km Metro extension plays a critical role in North East Mayor Kim McGuinness’ vision to transform local transport and create an integrated network spanning the region.
The line is expected to see the first Metro trains running along it in 2033.
The public are invited to find out more and ask questions of the project team at a series of 14 engagement events. This follows similar drop in events in the summer of 2025.
North East Mayor Kim McGuinness said: “I promised we’d extend the Metro to Washington and now the next stage in that plan is underway – three brand new stations for the first time in 30 years.
“We’re doing this because you told us you want more affordable, publicly-controlled transport across the North East. Now is the time to have your say on how these plans develop.”
Cathy Massarella, Managing Director of Nexus, said: “This is a really significant moment for the Metro to Washington project as the proposed route and station locations are shared publicly for the first time.
“This will be the first new Metro line for 30 years, providing a new route between the cities of Sunderland and Newcastle through Washington.
“We are committed to keeping the public up to date on the plans. A series of 14 public engagement events will now get underway over the coming weeks, giving people the chance to come along, ask questions, and give us their views. We look forward to seeing as many people there as possible.
“If people are struggling to get there in person, there is an also an option to provide feedback online through the Nexus website at nexus.org.uk/metrotowashington.
“This will be vital as we shape the plans further, ahead of construction getting underway.”
An outline business case for the project will be submitted to the North East Mayoral Strategic Authority early 2027, which will consider views from the public engagement alongside the outline development. Subject to the relevant approvals, it is hoped that construction would begin in 2030, with the first Metro trains on the new line running from 2033.
Each option for the route has been scored as part of the feasibility study, considering numerous factors with the highest scoring options forming the latest plans.
These options considered possible costs, impact on local residents, the environment and current infrastructure and land surveys. Factors such as connection with bus services and improving pedestrian and cycle access also played a vital role in these proposals – helping to deliver cleaner, safer, more accessible and modern transport options for the region.
Discussions with potentially impacted landowners have already begun as part of the proposals.
Local residents are being encouraged to view the plans in more detail and provide their feedback at a number of drop-in sessions starting from today, or through the Metro to Washington page on the Nexus website: nexus.org.uk/metrotowashington
Utilising the Leamside Line
Metro to Washington will be the first new Metro line for 30 years when it opens. It will provide a new route between the cities of Sunderland and Newcastle through Washington, making a practical and positive use of the old Leamside Line route from Pelaw to the River Wear.
The Metro to Washington extension would run along the northern section of the former Leamside Line. The North East Mayoral Strategic Authority (North East MSA) is developing a separate business case to reinstate the southern section of the Leamside Line for heavy rail trains and the Metro to Washington route provides an important part of this development.
Key proposal points
Visualisations will change over time based on feedback from the engagement events and further design development.
Pelaw Junction
The Metro to Washington extension will connect to the existing Metro network at Pelaw and South Hylton. At Pelaw, a new track will need to be installed to allow the trains travelling from Washington to join the existing network. To facilitate the new track, the existing footbridge to Stonehills Complex will need to be replaced and the existing bridleways and access roads altered to retain existing connections.
Follingsby Station
The station would sit to the south of Follingsby Lane and include ramp, lift and stair access to both platforms. Follingsby is the preferred option for a Park and Ride car park, helping people to access city centres by rail and reducing traffic on key routes.
Washington North Station
Washington North station is located at the intersection of the former Leamside Line and the A1290 providing access to the Sulgrave area of Washington and connections to the local bus network. To accommodate the station, the A1290 will be diverted south over the railway where it will connect to Glover Road and Spire Road via the existing roundabout.
Washington South Station
Located to the south of the former Washington station, the proposed site for Washington South is near to the Fatfield, Columbia and Teal Farm districts of Washington. Connectivity from east to west will be retained through the introduction of an accessible footbridge.
Victoria Viaduct
The current proposal reuses the historic viaduct for a twin-track railway. Masts for overhead power would be installed in a sensitive manner, as has been done on similar historic viaducts elsewhere in the UK.
Southern Alignment
Once the Metro route has crossed the Victoria Viaduct, it will run on a new track alignment to the south of Coxgreen Road towards South Hylton. This avoids cutting through ancient woodland, the need for multiple large, intrusive new road bridges and disturbing a large section of a popular local bridleway.
A19
The new railway will join up with the existing bridleway before passing under the A19 at the site of the existing underpass. A new underpass will be designed to accommodate both the railway and bridleway users. Public right of way access to the playing fields and Offerton Village will be maintained by bridges over the railway.
South Hylton
A key challenge at South Hylton is the need to retain permanent vehicle access to properties located north of the railway. Two options have been shortlisted. Both would see Hylton Bank closed to vehicles, with alternative road access constructed, as well as moving the station further to the east to allow access to both platforms.
Option A – (shown by purple arrows) This option would see a new road connecting Railway Terrace to St Luke’s Road, via a tunnel constructed underneath the existing station site.
Option B – (shown by green arrows) This option would see the existing underpass at Keelman’s Road upgraded, enabling vehicle access to South Hylton via Keelman’s Lane and Claxheugh Road.
Penshaw:
Connecting Penshaw to the Metro system is not a part of the current proposals for the Metro to Washington extension. However, it may provide a key point on the wider Leamside Line revival.
