A busy section of the Tyne and Wear Metro line in Newcastle is to undergo a programme of investment, including work on the multi-million-pound Regent Centre interchange refurbishment.

The improvement work will take place during a nine-day major line closure between South Gosforth and Airport in both directions, Saturday 15 August to Sunday 23 August.

The closure will allow for the safe removal of the large metal canopy that covers the bus station roadway and Metro lines at Regent Centre. The station entrance will be inaccessible during the demolition of the canopy.

As part of Nexus’ approach to undertake as much work as possible during planned line closures, other important works include track renewal, station upgrades at Callerton Parkway, Bank Foot, Kingston Park, Fawdon and Wansbeck Road, cable repair work, and lineside estate management.

The affected route will re-open to Metro services on the morning of Monday 24 August.

A replacement bus service will run during the works, calling at or close to all affected Metro stations.

Scheduling works during the summer holiday period avoids impacting busier commutes, with less road traffic to help speed up alternative travel times.

Customers are advised to plan ahead and allow extra time when travelling through the affected area.

Paul Welford, Major Projects Director at Nexus, said: “This project represents a major investment in our Airport line.

“The closure allows us to really crack on with the renewal scheme at Regent Centre. The station canopy needs to come down as part of the wider station refurbishment and this can only be done safely with a line closure in place.

“We’re also investing in track, stations and other pieces of infrastructure, which require renewal work to ensure we have a functional Metro system for many years to come.

“There is no good time to close a line, and we do so to minimise disruption to as many customers as possible. Our plans consider school holidays, to ensure the least possible disruption to customers and the most efficient works.

“By scheduling these works during the schools’ summer break, we can avoid impacting busier commutes, and less congestion on the roads should speed up alternative travel times on replacement buses.

“Customers are advised to plan ahead and allow plenty of extra time to make their journeys through the affected area. We’re sorry for any inconvenience caused.”

The £7.94m renewal project at Regent Centre, delivered by contractor Kier, will transform the Metro station concourse and modernise platforms at the busy transport hub in Gosforth, Newcastle. From a brighter, more inviting environment to a new retail unit space and clearer signage, the customer experience will be improved throughout the station.

It is part of North East Mayor Kim McGuinness’ commitment to improve local transport infrastructure.