Nexus plans Metro extension to Washington, first trains from 2033

The Metro operator Nexus has presented designs for three new stations (Follingsby, Washington North, Washington South) with which the Tyne & Wear Metro is to be extended from Pelaw along a former railway alignment to Washington and on to South Hylton; the former mining town of about 70,000 people currently has no rail connection. Still needed are a new track at Pelaw, a new alignment to the 250 m long Victoria Viaduct (with new track and overhead line masts) and a new underpass beneath the A19 at South Hylton; 14 public engagement events follow in the coming weeks. A preliminary business case is to go to the North East Mayoral Strategic Authority in early 2027, construction is planned to start in 2030 subject to approvals, and the first trains could run from 2033. Announced on 11 September 2026; the date is a placeholder: the article names only the year 2033 (LOK Report, 11 Sep 2026).