This collection of images documents the construction of the Tyne & Wear Metro System during the 1970s and 1980s. The civil engineering project was overseen by Consulting Civil Engineers Mott, Hay and Anderson. The project was documented by several local commercial photographers in Tyne & Wear.
The images are taken from the Mott, Hay and Anderson collection, consulting civil engineers responsible from the Tyneside Metro light rail system and the Tyne Pedestrian, cyclist and vehicular tunnels. The collection is held in Tyne & Wear Archives.
These images were sourced for the experimental film and album of music ‘Interchange’ by Warm Digits. 'Interchange' was produced as part of Half Memory, in collaboration with Tyne & Wear Archives & Museums, Pixel Palace, Basic FM and Tusk Music. Youtube - Interchange by Warm Digits
The copyright for all of the following photos is owned by Tyne & Wear Archives & Museums and are reproduced here with their permission.
Completed views of the Byker Viaduct in the summer of 1979.
Photos courtesy of Tyne & Wear Archives & Museums.
A tunnel shield. February 1975.
The north bound running tunnel shield on its erection plinth. 11th February 1975.
Photo courtesy of Tyne & Wear Archives & Museums.
Workers entering a Metro Shaft. 18th December 1974.
Photo courtesy of Tyne & Wear Archives & Museums.
A tunnel shield. February 1975.
The lowering of the upper half of a running tunnel shield in to position on the Forth Banks Site, 6th February 1975.
Photo courtesy of Tyne & Wear Archives & Museums.
Haymarket Station.
Excavation and construction of the escalator shaft at Haymarket Station.
Photos courtesy of Tyne & Wear Archives & Museums.
Haymarket Station. June 1975.
The North South Line to Jesmond, documenting the right hand drive tunnel. 11th June 1975.
Photo courtesy of Tyne & Wear Archives & Museums.
South Bound tunnel to Haymarket. November 1975.
A view from the back of the travelling stage of the South Bound tunnel to Haymarket, 21st November 1975.
Photo courtesy of Tyne & Wear Archives & Museums.
South Bound tunnel to Haymarket. 28th October 1975.
Photo courtesy of Tyne & Wear Archives & Museums.
Inside the rail gang test track around 1975.
Photos courtesy of Tyne & Wear Archives & Museums.
Workers in a Metro Shaft. 18th December 1974.
Photo courtesy of Tyne & Wear Archives & Museums.
The north bound step plate junction looking north, viewed from the Crossover Tunnel. December 1978.
Photo courtesy of Tyne & Wear Archives & Museums.
Forth Banks trough sections and embankment, 20th October 1978.
Photo courtesy of Tyne & Wear Archives & Museums.
An artist’s impression of the Four Lane Ends Metro Interchange.
Photo courtesy of Tyne & Wear Archives & Museums.
Construction of the New Tyne Dock Station. c. 15th October 1981 to the 10th August 1982.
Photos courtesy of Tyne & Wear Archives & Museums.
Prototype rail cars being constructed at a Birmingham Factory around 1975.
Photos courtesy of Tyne & Wear Archives & Museums.
A prototype rail car being tested on test track near Backworth. 1975.
Photo courtesy of Tyne & Wear Archives & Museums.
More old photos on this site:
- Armstrong Bridge & Craft Fair
- Bath Lane
- Byker
- Byker - Shields Road
- Elswick Road - The Gables (Hopedene)
- Grainger Market
- Grubb Parsons Telescopes
- Heaton
- Mayfair Ballroom, The
- Newcastle in 1970's by John Fox
- Newcastle in the 1800's
- Newcastle Shops of the 1940's
- Newcastle University
- North Shields Fish Quay
- Odeon/Paramount Cinema
- Reader Submitted Old Photos
- Shipbuilding on the River Tyne, 1960 - 1977
- Swan Hunters Shipyard, Wallsend
- Swan Hunters - HMS Ark Royal Construction
- Swan Hunters - RMS Mauretania
- Town Moor - The Hoppings
- Tyne Bridge Construction
- Tyne Pedestrian & Cycle Tunnels Construction
