Major setback for Newcastle United fans getting to matches – Metro suspension adds to flyover problem | OneFootball

Many Newcastle United fans were impacted by the news that the Gateshead Highway Flyover leading to the Tyne Bridge, had been forced to close due to safety concerns.

This making it extra difficult for many supporters travelling over the Tyne from Gateshead, for the Leicester and Brentford matches and beyond.

On Thursday, there was then news that the Metro trains had been forced to stop running below the Flyover due to concerns over safety, services suspended between Monument and Heworth. A replacement bus service running instead.

Now Nexus have confirmed (see below) that this will continue at least into early 2025, impacting the Villa home game on Boxing Day, then potentially further St James’ Park games in terms of travel from south of the river.

Nexus official Metro announcement – 20 December 2024:

Gateshead flyover closure: Metro suspended Monument-Heworth

Service suspension in relation to the Gateshead flyover – updated 5.20pm, Friday 20 December, 2024.

Cathy Massarella, Managing Director at Nexus said:

“The Metro service remains suspended between Monument and Heworth as a precaution due to the ongoing closure of the A167 Gateshead Highway flyover.

“Following further specialist advice we received yesterday afternoon from Gateshead Council’s structural engineers, we had to immediately suspend services through the tunnels. The Metro tunnels run beneath the flyover.

“Gateshead Council engineers are working up plans to strengthen parts of the A167 flyover to enable us to reopen the tunnels. They have told us there is potential for this remedial work to be completed early in the new year. This unfortunately means the service suspension will be in place at least until then. We are working closely with colleagues at Gateshead Council and once the remedial work is completed, it will take us time to get back to a full service.

“This is an unprecedented situation and one of the biggest operational challenges we have faced in the history of the Tyne and Wear Metro. We’re aware of the significant disruption this will cause, however the safety of our customers and employees is our top priority.

“It is an evolving situation, and we are working hard to keep our customers updated around the services we are currently offering. We ask customers to plan in advance and allow more time for their journeys. A replacement bus service (900) is running between Monument and Heworth, and Metro tickets are being accepted on local bus routes.

“At the moment, Metro services are running on the Sunderland line between Pelaw and South Hylton and between Pelaw and South Shields at a reduced frequency.

“Metro trains continue to run north bound from Monument to Newcastle Airport on the Green Line. We also continue to run on the Yellow Line from St James to Monument via the North Tyneside coast.

“We hope to maintain these service levels for as long as possible, however, we need to be realistic about the impact of this closure. We are currently unable to maintain trains south of the River Tyne and this will impact our maintenance schedule and therefore the performance of these trains.

“However, we are working closely with our partners at Stadler to see whether we can deliver some basic repairs, but this, combined with the colder weather, means there is a strong possibility that we will be unable to sustain Metro services south of the River Tyne for the period of the tunnels being closed.

“Please be assured we are doing all that we can on this, working closely with partners. We will continue to keep customers updated and all the latest information can be found on the Nexus website: www.nexus.org.uk, the Pop App, and on the Metro’s X page (formerly Twitter) @My_Metro.”

Newcastle United upcoming matches:

Saturday 21 December – Ipswich v Newcastle (3pm)

Thursday 26 December – Newcastle v Villa (3pm) Amazon

Monday 30 December – Man U v Newcastle (8pm) Sky Sports

Saturday 4 January – Tottenham v Newcastle (12.30pm) TNT Sports

Week commencing Monday 6 January – Arsenal v Newcastle TBC

Sunday 12 January – Newcastle v Bromley (3pm) BBC iPlayer (FA Cup)

Wednesday 15 January – Newcastle v Wolves (7.30pm) TNT Sports

Saturday 18 January – Newcastle v Bournemouth (12.30pm) TNT Sports

Saturday 25 January – Southampton v Newcastle (3pm)

Saturday 1 February – Newcastle v Fulham (3pm)

Week commencing Monday 3 February – Newcastle v Arsenal TBC