Whitley Bay Metro station to remain closed until end of March

Written by on 9th March 2023

Whitley Bay Metro station, which was damaged by wild weather last month, will remain closed until the end of March. 

Message notifying Metro passengers of Whitley Bay station closure – Image Credit – Lewis Reed

Storm Otto caused the station to close for emergency repairs in the middle of February, but work has taken longer than expected. 

Metro operator Nexus has now announced that the station will reopen for passengers at the end of March at the earliest. 

Huw Lewis, Nexus customer services director, said: “We understand the significant disruption the station closure is causing to local people and businesses in Whitley Bay. 

“We don’t want to keep a major gateway into Whitley Bay closed for any longer than it needs to be and our team are working as quickly as possible to make the station completely safe and ready to reopen.” 

Passengers are encouraged to continue using the nearby Monkseaton or Cullercoats stations as alternatives. 

Coun John O’Shea, ward representative for Whitley Bay, said: “I am a little bit concerned that we have to wait until the end of this month for the station to reopen. 

“It is inconvenient, particularly for people with mobility problems. There’s also an effect on businesses in Whitley Bay town centre as people coming and going in have to get off at stations further away. 

“I have been approached by local residents saying just how inconvenient it is. I agree with them but I have to balance that against the need of Nexus to protect the travelling public from any dangers at the station. 

Some Metro passengers are unhappy with the extension to the station closure. 

Stephen Harmsworth said: “Nexus needs to get this sorted out as soon as possible.” 

Before the station reopens, further essential safety work will take place on the safety netting underneath the broken glass canopy which will require the closure of the Metro line in the area on March 25 and 26. 

A replacement bus service will be in operation between Monkseaton and North Shields on that weekend. 

Businesses inside the station will be able to operate as normal from the end of this week.


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