https://nexus.org.uk/news-media-hub/news...-unveiled/
Nexus has today (Tuesday 1 September 2026) unveiled the latest proposals for the planned extension of the Tyne and Wear Metro to Washington.
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.
“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.
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.
Download a PDF version of the latest proposals.
There's also an interesting bit to note about 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.