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If you could extend the T&W Metro

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northernrail14

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Hi there,

I was just wondering, if given the chance, where would you extend the Tyne and Wear Metro. I don't want this to turn into a technical discussion with comments such as 'You couldn't extend it to there because of this and that'. Just where would you extend it to.

I personally would expand it out as far as Blaydon, Low Fell and Birtley.


Lee
 
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DarloRich

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without thinking about the technical challenges the sensible option would be into the west end of the city from Sid James Park.

You also need to consider how the city has changed since the metro was built and try and serve the newer areas
 
IanD

IanD

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DarloRich said:
without thinking about the technical challenges the sensible option would be into the west end of the city from Sid James Park.
Click to expand...

Sensible but topographically, I think the only option westwards would be to stick close to the River, maybe on the old line to Wylam.

Also, on the south side, branch off west at Gateshead towards the Metro Centre.

You could join these two to make a loop.
 
David Goddard

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Metro Centre the obvious target to the South West, and a short extension from Airport to Ponteland would improve connectivity for the town, relieving the A696.
 
alex17595

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What about north to Blyth and Ashington? According to google maps there is already a single line from Northumberland park to those places. Possibly adding an extra track north of Monkseaton where old track bed seems to be intact (apart from being converted into a minor road.)

There is lots of pre-existing freight lines in this area. Its probably to far for a 'metro' type serivce though.
 
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Barclay

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Down the Leamside line to Belmont (Durham) park and ride, then South towards Sherburn village, take the Old Durham Elvet branch to Durham Elvet station, then tramway-style up new Elvet to a terminus ahead of the three Tuns Hotel at the foot of Elvet Bridge.
 
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DarloRich

DarloRich

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David Goddard said:
Metro Centre the obvious target to the South West, and a short extension from Airport to Ponteland would improve connectivity for the town, relieving the A696.
Click to expand...

I did consider the Metro Centre but felt it was already well served by rail

Barclay said:
Down the Leamside line to Belmont (Durham) park and ride, then South towards Sherburn village, take the Old Durham Elvet branch to Durham Elvet station, then tramway-style up new Elvet to a terminus ahead of the three Tuns Hotel at the foot of Elvet Bridge.
Click to expand...

if money was no object you could easily run as far as the park and ride at Belmont along the Leamside line. You would pick up Washington and lots of other communities along that route. There is also a possibility to connect to Sunderland via the old junction just before Victoria Bridge to South Hylton.

None this will happen though ;)
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alex17595 said:
What about north to Blyth and Ashington? According to google maps there is already a single line from Northumberland park to those places. Possibly adding an extra track north of Monkseaton where old track bed seems to be intact (apart from being converted into a minor road.)

There is lots of pre-existing freight lines in this area. Its probably to far for a 'metro' type serivce though.
Click to expand...

Would these communities be better served by "normal" rail?
 
Zamracene749

Zamracene749

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What about South Shields to Sunderland as a semi feasible idea?

Relay the 2 miles between Tyne Dock and Boldon with new stations to serve West Harton and Whiteleas. I'd guess 25 mins end to end so it could be competetive with the fastest buses. All passing through areas with a good market to capture.
 
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rg177

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It's timed to take 40ish minutes as opposed to an hour. It took me 50 this week though.
 
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snowball

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Not the first thread on this subject, even in the time I've been a member of this forum!

I'm not local but it has always seemed obvious to me that it should be extended from the airport to Ponteland and Darras Hall.
 
valenta

valenta

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Expansion towards the Killingworth and Forest Hall area should be considered as well as further expansion in the town centre. Many of the ideas for expansion put forward in this thread were mooted by Nexus earlier this year - see the image below.
 

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