Five Metro stations to be revamped to improve access for disabled passengers

Five Metro stations are set to be revamped to improve access for disabled passengers.

Nexus, which owns and manages the Tyne and Wear Metro system, said the £300,000 scheme will see five stations on the airport line in Newcastle upgraded.

Callerton Parkway, Bank Foot, Kingston Park, Fawdon and Wansbeck Road stations will all undergo a range of modernisation works to improve accessibility, security and energy efficiency.

The work is set to start this week and should be completed by February 2018. The stations will remain open as usual throughout the scheme.

It will bring the stations up to modern standards of disabled access and provide a better waiting environment, with improved seating and lighting.

The work forms part of the £350m Metro all change modernisation programme.

Director of Rail and Infrastructure at Nexus, Raymond Johnstone, said: “Improving our Metro stations is an integral part of our £350m modernisation programme.

“The work on the airport line stations will be similar to work we have already carried out at other suburban Metro stations by improving accessibility for passengers with disabilities.

“New seating and new lighting will vastly improve the waiting environment for our customers.”

Accessibility improvements will include the installation of dual handrails, tactile paving and anti-slip surfacing on the stairs and on platforms.

New seating, which includes benches and renewed perch seats, and brighter lighting will be installed. The new lighting will be LED bulbs which are more energy efficient and cost effective.

The dual height handrails are to be installed at Bank Foot and Wansbeck Road Metro stations.

The Metro public address system speakers are to be replaced at Fawdon and Wansbeck Road stations.