New developments in planned reopening of the Northumberland Line.

Northern ran special rail services last week on part of the Northumberland Line which is planned to reopen in early 2024.

The scheme, which was first proposed by Northumberland County Council, will be funded through the Government’s Restoring Your Railway Fund. The fund offers development funding to explore options to restore lost rail services connections to local communities.

Ahead of the planned start of passenger services on the Northumberland line, Northern ran test trains on the proposed route. Cllr Glen Sanderson, Leader of Northumberland County Council travelled on the service.  He said: "It was fantastic to experience first-hand one of the journeys that hundreds of thousands of people will soon be able to enjoy and benefit from.

"Passenger services on the Northumberland Line will provide a huge economic boost in South East Northumberland and beyond, improve transport links, attract more visitors, and support growth sectors.  It will also help to improve air quality and reduce carbon emissions, contributing greatly to our climate change targets in Northumberland."

Plans for the line include 29km of track upgraded and six new stations constructed. These will be at Northumberland Park, Seaton Delaval, Newsham, Blyth Bebside, Bedlington and Ashington.

Land Referencing

The Department for Transport provided £34m earlier this year to help deliver detailed design and preparatory works. LRS provided Land Referencing Services for the project.

The approval of the recently submitted Transport and Works Act Order (TWAO), will allow for the reintroduction of regular passenger services between Ashington and central Newcastle, with several stops along the route.

New Stations Comissioned

The forward move follows news of the appointment of the company to construct the six new stations.

Northumberland County Council appointed Morgan Sindall Infrastructure as the primary contractor for this £40 million portion of the total scheme.

Work is set to start early next year with the line set to reopen to passengers in 2024.

Plans also detail designs including three footbridges, underpasses and other structures.

The Northumberland line is currently partially used by freight trains. The planned introduction of passenger services back onto the tracks is aimed at further stimulating and supporting regional economic growth in Northumberland and the surrounding regions.

It will provide new and improved transport links for local people and businesses, as well as improving access from towns to employment hubs like Newcastle. This is expected to open up new opportunities for leisure, education, and travel.

 Kerry Peters, Regional Director at Northern said:

“Bringing new rail services to the north east as part of the Northumberland Line is really exciting and we’re honoured to be able to provide those services for all the communities based along the route.

“Rail plays a vital role in the economy of the North of England, and we’re delighted to be able to play our part in opening up new leisure and business opportunities for the region."