Christmas Eve update on Gateshead Flyover and @My_Metro: 1) Gateshead Council know how urgent it is that the Metro gets back to normal. Their engineers now have a detailed plan to make the flyover safe enough for that with work due to start on site this week. 2) Metro will wind down as planned for Christmas but there will be an hourly service all evening for those who need it, including replacement buses. 3) Nexus have a plan for a good service on Boxing Day and have additional replacement buses lined up to run from Heworth-Monument due to the @NUFC match. A huge thank you to everyone for their patience and understanding. All the decisions about the flyover and the Metro are to keep people safe. A special thank you to the staff who have worked to get solutions in place an especially to this on the front line at Metro stations , at interchanges and on trains who have worked incredibly hard to help people under challenging circumstances. Merry Christmas. 🎄

Today I met with the Secretary of State for Transport along with @MarkFergusonMP and @MartinGannon002. Here’s an update on Gateshead Flyover and @My_Metro. 1. The most urgent priority is a temporary fix to get the Metro fully up and running. Gateshead council know this. They have my full support to deliver this. 2. Long term, not only must the flyover be demolished, but the road network must be redesigned. To complete this Gateshead will need support from Government. This is what we discussed with the Transport Secretary. She gets it and those discussions will continue. 3. In the Meantime, we can’t wait- we must get on with it. This problem is affecting the region and as Mayor I’ll support with regional resources to get on with the job of taking down the flyover and protecting the Metro. 4. Until Gateshead Council’s temporary fix is in place, the Metro remains suspended between monument and Heworth with a replacement bus service running and Metro tickets accepted on @gonortheast buses. Follow @My_Metro on X or on their website. People are working round the clock to get the urgent and long term fixes and plans in place- we know how disruptive this is. Thank you for patience and for understanding- these decisions have been made to keep us all safe and prevent the catastrophe of the flyover collapsing. Please be kind to the staff on the front line. They are doing everything they can to help. Thank you.

There’s no change today on @My_Metro. The suspension between Monument and Heworth due to the Gateshead flyover is still in place as are replacement bus services. You can find updates on X at the link below. 🙏 Thank you to those travelling for patience and understanding. It will take time to get the metro back to normal (@gateshead know how urgent this is and expect around 10-14 days). But decisions have been made to keep people safe and prevent the collapse of the flyover- something that would be catastrophic. 🦺Thanks to Nexus, regional and local transport teams for their incredibly hard work in supporting passengers and working on both urgent and long term solutions. 🚇Thanks @LumoTravel and @LNER for accommodating those delayed by the disruption. On Monday I’m meeting the Transport Secretary with @MarkFergusonMP and @MartinGannon002 to find permanent solutions. nexus.org.uk/metro/updates?o…

I’m pleased the Transport Secretary @Heidi_Labour has agreed to my request for an urgent meeting to find a permanent solution for the Gateshead Flyover. Myself, @MarkFergusonMP and @MartinGannon002 will meet with her Monday. Here’s the letter I’ve sent ahead of that meeting 👇🏼

The ongoing issue with the Gateshead Flyover means @My_Metro is off between Monument and Heworth. The Nexus and transport teams are working round the clock to put urgent and longer term solutions in place and I’ll make sure they do everything possible to support people as they travel. 1. Replacement buses are on and will increase throughout the day. 2. All tickets are accepted on @gonortheast buses. 3. Gateshead Council must find a short term fix alleviate transport disruption. They know this and have support from the region. 4. I’m working with @MarkFergusonMP and the Council to bring Government to the table for permanent solutions. This will take time. I appreciate people’s patience and understanding that these decisions have been made to keep everyone safe and prevent the catastrophe of the flyover collapsing.