New contract signed for Tyne and Wear renewals

Coupled with the arrival of a new fleet, the renewal investment will mean fewer delays, less maintenance, and a more reliable metro for Metro passengers in the North-East. 

 

The contract will last for five years and, over that time, more than 100km of track, originally laid in the 70's and 80's, will be upgraded. 

 

Furrer+Frey will survey and design the overhead system, as well as provide manuals and materials for them whilst Nexus' own engineers will install the equipment with training from Furrer+Frey – maintaining well-paid, skilled jobs in the North East. 

 

Furrer+Frey have created a ‘FL200-light system’ for Nexus, adapting a system used in the Swiss mountains to make it lightweight for a metro network and converting it to 1,500 volt DC power. 

 

Head of Renewals at Nexus, Sarah McManus, said: 

 

“This contract is a core part of the multi-million-pound investment we are making to renew key parts of Metro’s infrastructure and deliver an affordable, reliable railway that’s ready for the next fifty years. 

 

”This also marks an investment in our staff, developing our skills and expertise to keep maintenance affordable, in-house and in the North East.” 

 

Noel Dolphin, Head of UK Projects at Furrer+Frey said: 

 

“We are delighted to be continuing our relationship with Nexus to boost the reliability and resilience of the Tyne and Wear Metro. 

 

“We’ll be manufacturing Swiss-quality equipment in the UK, tailored to the Metro and installed by their skilled team with our training and support. 

 

“We take a low-carbon approach by making the most of existing old structures and renewing the system for another 50 years of service.”