Everything you need to know as new stations, images and route unveiled for Washington Metro extension
The first Metro trains are due to arrive in Washington in 2033
Nexus has unveiled exciting new details of its plans to extend the Tyne & Wear Metro line to Washington, including the location of the three stations in the town and exactly where the proposed line will run.
The absence of a Metro line in Washington has been a long running grievance for the new town’s residents. After 45 years of waiting, in June last year (2025) North East mayor Kim McGuinness announced that £900m of funding had been secured as part of a £1.85bn pound Government funding package to invest in the region’s transport network.
It was announced that the first Metro trains are expected to arrive in Washington in 2033 following the 13km extension of the track.
Ahead of 14 consultation events taking place in Washington this month (September), Nexus has also unveiled its first computer generated images of what the development and new stations will look like.
The proposals outline three new stations, located at Follingsby, Washington North and Washington South.
Metro trains travelling from Tyneside would split at a newly created junction at Pelaw before first stopping at Follingsby. The proposed new station will be located at the south of Follingsby Lane and include ramp, lift and stair access to both platforms. Follingsby is currently the preferred option for a Park and Ride car park, helping people to access city centres by rail and reducing traffic on key routes.
Metro trains would next stop at Washington North station, located at the intersection of the former Leamside Line and the A1290, providing access to the Sulgrave area. The A1290 will be diverted south over the railway where it will connect to Glover Road and Spire Road via the existing roundabout.
The final proposed Metro stop before trains connect to the existing line will be at Washington South, serving the residents of Fatfield, Columbia and Teal Farm districts.
The current proposal reuses the historic Victoria Viaduct for a twin-track railway. Once the Metro route has crossed the Victoria Viaduct, it will run on a new track alignment to the south of Coxgreen Road towards South Hylton. Developers say this “avoids cutting through ancient woodland, the need for multiple large, intrusive new road bridges and disturbing a large section of a popular local bridleway”.
The new railway will join up with the existing bridleway before passing under the A19 at the site of the existing underpass.
A new underpass will be designed to accommodate both railway and bridleway users. Public right of way access to the playing fields and Offerton Village will be maintained by bridges over the railway.
Cathy Massarella, Managing Director of Nexus, said: “This is a really significant moment for the Metro to Washington project as the proposed route and station locations are shared publicly for the first time.
“This will be the first new Metro line for 30 years, providing a new route between the cities of Sunderland and Newcastle through Washington.
“We are committed to keeping the public up to date on the plans. A series of 14 public engagement events will now get underway over the coming weeks, giving people the chance to come along, ask questions, and give us their views. We look forward to seeing as many people there as possible.
“This will be vital as we shape the plans further, ahead of construction getting underway.”
The 13km Metro extension is a critical part of North East Mayor Kim McGuinness’ pledge to “transform local transport and create an integrated network spanning the region”.
.jpeg?trim=85,0,85,0&crop=&width=640&quality=65)
Mayor McGuinness said: “I promised we'd extend the Metro to Washington and now the next stage in that plan is underway - three brand new stations for the first time in 30 years.
"We're doing this because you told us you want more affordable, publicly-controlled transport across the North East. Now is the time to have your say on how these plans develop."
If you are unable to attend the consultation meetings you can still have your say via the link on Nexus’s website.