During the construction phase the safety of the general public, users of the existing railway and all construction workers will be paramount. Early 2000 Joint launch of Sunderland Direct Project by Railtrack and Nexus Contracts awarded for civil engineering, overhead line, communications and signalling. Associated work contracts for bridge renewal and repair, station equipping, and fencing to work in parallel with main contractor. Early Spring 2000 Construction began. Late Autumn 2001 Construction substantially complete.
Trial running begins testing equipment, vehicles, and staff training.
March 2002 Revenue service begins 31st March 2002. Looking forward to your Metro service Currently the Tyne and Wear Metro carries 33 million passengers a year. It is expected the new extension to the Sunderland area will add a further 10 million journeys per year. Prior to the launch of Metro, information packs will be delivered to all households along the new line detailing ticket and timetable information. A variety of ticketing options will be a feature of the new service when commercial operation begins.