North East Mayor Kim McGuinness has today (Tuesday 8 July 2025) welcomed a commitment by Government to deliver a multi-million-pound signalling project for the region’s Metro service.
North East Mayor Kim McGuinness, said: “We need to see Metro’s creaking 1980s signalling system replaced to create the modern, world-class public transport our region and our people deserve.
“I promised during my election campaign that I would secure the multi-million-pound investment needed to upgrade Metro’s vital signal technology and I am proud to confirm we have delivered on this – the Government has today announced a commitment to fund the system. Nexus can now get to work on designing the system to deliver this essential improvement for passengers.
“This is on top of the recent news that we will build the first new Metro line for 30 years – extending the Metro to Washington as part of a record £1.85bn funding deal I agreed with the Government, which will also see us finish the full restoration of our iconic Tyne Bridge.
“We’re also working hard to create a fully integrated transport system for the region – transforming the way people travel and boosting opportunities for everyone in the North East. This is the start of an incredibly exciting time for transport in the North East.
“I am pleased to see the A66 Northern Trans-Pennine scheme has also been given the go ahead today, I have been working with colleagues in Cumbria and across the North to make this happen and it is a very welcome boost for County Durham and the whole Great North.”