The Metro Flow Programme will deliver a fully dual tracked Metro Network delivering more capacity, more frequency and more resilience to the service by replacing the single-track sections with double-track on the route between Pelaw and South Shields. The outline design Nexus commissioned unifies the two existing Network Rail and Metro infrastructures to create a single twin track alignment removing the three single track pinch points during a circa twelve week closure when Metro services will be suspended but a daily freight movement through the blockade will remain. At blockade hand back, the lines will be unified and pinch points removed. The successful Bidder will complete the multi-disciplinary design and manage the installation and commissioning which will affect both Network Rail and Metro infrastructure. The scheme is funded by the DfT’s Transforming Cities Fund, which has a funding deadline of 31 March 2023 and the blockade will follow directly after the 2022 Great North Run.

Nexus operate and maintain the Metro Network which serves a Tyne and Wear population of 1.13 million. The area includes key employment areas of Newcastle and Gateshead and Sunderland city centre hosting major retail, healthcare and higher education clusters. These locations are clusters of agglomeration for the region where much of its economic activity is concentrated and are a focus for commuting and leisure journeys. The Metro currently operates on two routes:

(i) the Airport to South Hylton (green line); and St James to South Shields (yellow line). Both lines have a twelve (12) minute daytime frequency with additional peak-time services.

These frequencies are the highest that can be delivered within the constraints imposed by existing infrastructure and rolling stock. Poor frequencies, longer journey times and over-crowding deter non-users from trying the Metro, so change is necessary to prepare for the future. To enable more frequent services to operate and to extend the network, a step-change in network resilience and capacity is required. These three themes define the metro flow programme.

The procurement of the metro flow programme is being conducted using the negotiated procedure in accordance with the provisions of the UCR as a single stage NEC4 Option C (Target Cost with Activity Schedule) design and construct contract.

This procurement will allow the award of a contract to design and construct twin track from Pelaw to Bede, utilising, and upgrading the divested Network Rail track that runs parallel. The successful bidder will provide all the infrastructure and services, testing and commissioning that are required to bring the dual track into Nexus operation. The scope of this Agreement will be generally as follows:

• review, develop and re-submit the Form A Outline Design and subsequent Form B Detailed Design for the works for approval by Nexus and Network Rail where appropriate;

• all structures to support W6a gauging and RA10 route availability;

• plain line infills will be installed between too the join the link the divested Network Rail line with the existing Metro lines;

• refurbishment of existing track;

• the third track which currently loops around the rear of both Hebburn and Jarrow station will be decommissioned and removed;

• all switches and crossings between Pelaw junction and Bede will be replaced to accommodate the new alignment;

• track drainage reviewed and replaced/updated as necessary;

• all underbridges will need to be strengthened to meet a rating capable of supporting Route Availability 10;

• the platforms at Jarrow and Hebburn Stations will need to be lowered to allow sufficient clearances to adjacent overbridges and new OLE clearances;

• troughing will be refurbished or installed to support the revised signalling installations;

• all existing overhead line will need to be raised to support W6a Gauging;

• overhead line will need to be installed over the Network Rail alignment which is being retained;

• the track will need to be re-signalled from Pelaw junction through to Bede to support the joint running of light and heavy rail; and

• Nexus’ RTMS system will require updating to reflect the transfer of the Network Rail line to Nexus ownership.