Designs revealed for three new Metro stations on Washington extension, aimed to open by 2033

# What was announced Nexus and regional transport leaders released the first detailed images and siting for three new Tyne and Wear Metro stations planned for Washington: Follingsby, Washington North and Washington South. The plans form part of a proposed 13km Metro extension that would connect the existing Pelaw and South Hylton stations and use the northern section of the mothballed Leamside Line.

# Project timeline and next steps Planners say the line could open in 2033. An outline business case is due to be submitted to the North East mayoral authority early next year, and construction is hoped to start in 2030. Nexus will display the proposals at 14 public events in September so residents can review and comment on the detailed plans.

# Station summaries and immediate impacts

• Follingsby: Sited off Follingsby Lane to serve the Follingsby Park industrial estate, including a large Amazon warehouse and other businesses. It is the only one of the three concept stations shown with a Park and Ride car park.

• Washington North: Intended to serve Sulgrave and areas close to the Nissan car plant. The proposal places the station at the junction of the former Leamside Line and the A1290, next to Washington Community Fire Station. The A1290 would be diverted to the south under the concept, and a new bridge would connect to the existing roundabout at Glover Road and Spire Road.

• Washington South: Aimed at residents around Fatfield, Columbia and Teal Farm. Proposed south of the former Washington station site and next to Swan Road industrial estate. Plans include a new footbridge replacing an existing path to Wilden Road.

# Infrastructure changes beyond the stations Multiple additional works are included in the proposals to integrate the new line with the existing Metro network and local road layout:

• An underpass beneath the A19 at South Hylton to carry the new track.
• Overhead power masts on the Victoria Viaduct where the route crosses the River Wear.

• A new track south of Coxgreen Road to connect South Hylton to the Victoria Viaduct.

# Funding and political context The outline does not include a final project cost, but the plan is expected to draw on a £1.85 billion Government transport funding allocation given to North East Mayor Kim McGuinness the previous year. Mayor McGuinness has framed the extension as a delivery of a campaign promise to extend Metro services to Washington and has invited public input as the designs develop. Nexus has begun talks with potentially impacted landowners but says designs may still change.

# What to watch next