RUSH-hour rail commuters faced chaos yesterday as part of the Tyne and Wear Metro network was closed.

Network bosses Nexus warned that a section of line in North Tyneside would be shut on Sunday, as contractors carried out work on a new station. But the work overran and passengers expecting trains to be back on line faced delays.

Metro operator Nexus apologised for the delays after the track between Benton and Shiremoor remained closed all day.

Replacement bus services were put in place and commuters were advised to avoid the area if possible.

Over the past few weeks, the line has been closed on Sundays as Nexus worked on a new station at Backworth, called Northumberland Park.