Welcome to ChronicleLive's live updates on traffic and travel in Newcastle and the North East!
If you are eager to stay informed about the latest happenings regarding the roads and public transport options in the region, including the Tyne & Wear Metro, train services, buses, and even updates from Newcastle International Airport, this is the place for you. We’ll keep you updated on any disruptions or significant changes that may affect your travel plans.
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Traffic Updates:
13:09 - Nicole Goodwin
Currently, one lane is closed on the A19 due to a breakdown. This affects traffic traveling southbound from the A1086 (Little Thorpe junction, Easington) to the B1320 Burnhope Way (Peterlee roundabout). Fortunately, traffic is managing well despite this closure.
11:50 - Nicole Goodwin
What’s the latest from Nexus regarding the ongoing issues? Ben Brooks, the Head of Engineering at Nexus, stated: "We have temporarily shut down Platform 2 at Jesmond Metro station after damage was reported to the platform edge on Monday evening, December 29. This precautionary measure aims to ensure the safety of all passengers while we assess the situation and conduct necessary repairs as quickly as possible. We apologize for any inconvenience this may cause. The damage resulted from a malfunction with the automatic sliding step on one of our trains, and we are collaborating closely with Stadler to investigate further. The rollout of our new Metro fleet will continue as planned, and this transition represents one of the most significant projects in the history of the Tyne and Wear Metro. Given the complexity of this phase, we are adopting a careful, gradual approach to fleet introduction to monitor and resolve any issues as they arise."
11:49 - Nicole Goodwin
The closure of Platform 2 at Jesmond Metro station is indeed a precautionary step due to the damage sustained at the platform edge, which was caused by the aforementioned malfunction of the sliding step on one of the newly introduced Metro trains.
11:32 - Nicole Goodwin
In exciting news, train operator Northern has announced that it will offer a limited service in the North East on New Year's Day. Customers planning to travel during the New Year festivities and into the first week of January are encouraged to plan their journeys ahead of time. On New Year's Eve, the majority of services will operate according to regular weekday schedules, with the last trains expected to depart around 9 PM. However, please note that bus replacements will be in effect between Leeds and York, as well as Selby, due to enhancement work on the line. On New Year's Day, train services will commence later in the morning, returning to standard Thursday schedules, except in the North East. Continuing from last year’s success, Northern will again provide a limited-stop service for those wishing to visit Whitby, with two express trains running in each direction between Darlington, Middlesbrough, and Whitby. Services between Newcastle and Carlisle will be operational from 07:26 to 20:53, but no other trains will be available in the North East on this day, including routes on the Northumberland line from Newcastle to Ashington, the Sunderland to Newcastle line, and the line between Allens West and Bishop Auckland via Darlington.
For the full story regarding Northern's updates, click here.
10:21 - Emily Gray
Nexus has issued another update following the withdrawal of a Metro train due to a pantograph issue. A spokesperson explained: "This morning, a Metro train was taken out of service at Wallsend because of a problem with its pantograph, the apparatus on the train roof that draws high voltage power from the overhead lines. The train was promptly returned to Gosforth Depot just after 9:15 AM for thorough inspection by Stadler engineers. We sincerely apologize for any inconvenience this may have caused to our customers. Currently, two-thirds of our daily Metro services are operating with the new trains, and the rollout is progressing well. Introducing these new trains marks the largest project in our organization’s history, and we are employing a phased strategy to effectively manage and rectify issues as they develop."
07:40 - Emily Gray
As for the road conditions, everything appears clear at this moment, with no reported issues.
07:25 - Emily Gray
Please note that Platform 2 at Jesmond Metro station is currently closed for repairs. According to Nexus, trains will not stop at this platform until further notice, so customers are advised to use Platform 1 or head to the nearby West Jesmond Metro station for their travel needs.
06:40 - Emily Gray
Good morning! Welcome to today’s traffic and travel blog, where we are committed to bringing you the latest updates on both road and rail conditions across the North East.
