Tracks at Sunderland station require raising so the new Metro trains can safely and correctly stop at platform two.
Nexus owns and runs the Metro system. They said the tracks need raising by ten centimeters, which will allow the new trains to stop correctly. A project was announced to adjust track heights in 2020.
Even though the train contract was five years ago, problems arose. Luckily, some Metro trains still use the Sunderland hub. Southbound trains use platform one for the time being, it is normally used by Northern trains, while northbound trains still use platform three.
Nexus has not determined the cost to raise the tracks, and no other stations currently face similar issues. The problem exists on tracks that Network Rail manages. Nexus said they worked with Network Rail closely.
Nexus checked that the new trains work safely at all stations. Nexus confirmed that a small change is in effect; the Metro will run to platform one in Sunderland for now. They plan alignment work with Network Rail soon, and they inspect the Metro continuously.
Sunderland Station is undergoing a big upgrade and the station could increase its capacity later. It may have four tracks instead of the current two.
A Newcastle councillor voiced concern about the issue and he wondered if the rollout of trains faces more delays. He questioned if governance arrangements are sufficient.
Half the new trains should run by 2025’s end. The complete fleet will arrive over the next two years.