Route revealed for Tyne and Wear Metro’s Washington extension
Ahead of public consultation on the £900m scheme, operator Nexus has unveiled its plans for the 13km addition, which include three new stations at Follingsby, Washington North, and Washington South.
The line will connect the existing Metro network at Pelaw and South Hylton, and proposals would see the route make use of the northern section of the mothballed Leamside Line, cross the River Wear via the historic Victoria Viaduct, and pass under the A19.
Subject to approvals, construction is targeted to begin in 2030, with the first Metro services expected to run in 2033. An outline business case is due to be submitted to the North East Mayoral Strategic Authority in early 2027.
At Pelaw Junction, new track would be installed to allow Washington-bound trains to join the existing network. The works would also require the replacement of the existing footbridge to Stonehills Complex and alterations to bridleways and access roads.
The proposed Follingsby station, south of Follingsby Lane, would include lift, ramp and stair access, alongside a preferred Park and Ride facility.
At Washington North, the station would be built at the intersection of the former Leamside Line and the A1290. The proposals include diverting the A1290 south over the railway, connecting it to Glover Road and Spire Road via the existing roundabout.
Washington South would be located south of the former Washington station, serving the Fatfield, Columbia and Teal Farm areas. An accessible footbridge would maintain east-west connectivity.
The plans also propose reusing the historic Victoria Viaduct to carry a twin-track railway, with overhead line equipment installed.
South of the viaduct, the route would follow a new alignment south of Coxgreen Road towards South Hylton. Nexus said the alignment had been selected to avoid ancient woodland, reduce the need for major new road bridges and limit disruption to a local bridleway.
At the A19, a new underpass would be constructed to accommodate both the railway and bridleway users, while bridges over the railway would maintain public access to nearby playing fields and Offerton Village.
Two options are being considered for changes at South Hylton, where permanent vehicle access to properties north of the railway must be retained. Both options would involve closing Hylton Bank to vehicles, constructing alternative access and moving the station eastwards.
Nexus is holding 14 public engagement events on the latest proposals, following earlier consultation in summer 2025. Feedback will inform the development of the outline business case and future design work.
Potentially affected landowners have already been contacted.
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.
“This will be vital as we shape the plans further, ahead of construction getting underway.”
