Metros running under flyover after prop put up

Metro services are running again to all destinations after work to prop up part of a dangerous flyover was completed.

Gateshead Highway closed suddenly on 13 December after investigations revealed the 1960s structure was unsafe.

Metro services between Monument and Heworth, which run in tunnels under the flyover, were also suspended and replaced by buses.

Gateshead Council leader Martin Gannon thanked everyone who had "worked around the clock" to "ensure people were safe."

Gannon said a temporary propping device was now in place, with work to encase the pillar in more permanent concrete expected to start early in the new year.

"Getting the Metros to be able to run again while ensuring people were safe has been our key objective over the last fortnight and I am pleased this has been achieved," he said.

He said the council would work with engineers on the "next steps" including whether to partly reopen the flyover to traffic.

"Our longer-term plans remain to demolish the flyover completely and regenerate the area," he added.

"I want to reassure residents that we will be keeping up the pressure to ensure funding is in place to allow this to happen."

Metro operator Nexus said trains would run at a reduced frequency of every 24 minutes to all destinations on New Year's Eve.

Nexus managing director Cathy Massarella said the service would reduce from 21:00 GMT until the end of the day's service.

A replacement bus service between Heworth and Monument will continue operating to "provide additional travel options".

Ms Massarella said Metro services would not run on New Year's Day "as has always been the case" and would return to a normal timetable on Thursday.

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