LRS project: The Northumberland Line set to reopen in 2024

The Northumberland train line which has been shut for nearly 60 years is set to reopen with regular services next year.

LRS are delighted to have provided Land Referencing Services for the 18 mile Northumberland Line to reopen.

The service will transport passengers between Ashington and Newcastle, reducing the journey time from 70 minutes to 35. Trains will run seven days a week.

Employment

Work on the line has created almost 100 jobs in the area, according to the Department for Transport.

The plans have been developed alongside Northumberland County Council, Network Rail and Northern Rail.

This investment is part of government’s Restoring Your Railway, which reopens old stations and lines across the country.

The programme has already successfully delivered the Dartmoor Line in Devon, which reopened to passengers in November 2021.

Milestone

Northumberland County Council leader Glen Sanderson said: "We are delighted to have reached this major milestone which gives the green light for the main construction works to start.

"This is such a transformational scheme which will bring benefits for residents, businesses and visitors for generations to come.

"We have been working so hard over recent years to make this scheme happen, getting all the necessary planning and stations approved and preparing the line for the major works."

The line is set to have six new stations and will stop at Ashington, Bedlington, Blyth Bebside, Newsham, Seaton Delaval, Northumberland Park and Newcastle Central.

When the scheme was announced in 2020 it was estimated it would cost in the region of £160m.

Opportunities

Transport Secretary, Mark Harper said:

“Communities in Northumberland can get ready for regular train services that will better connect people to jobs, education and opportunities while growing our economy.

“Restoring lost railway connections will drive tourism, boost local business opportunities and encourage investment across our regions, which is why I’m pleased to say that we are on track to reopen this historic line next summer.”

A specific date for when services will resume will be announced closer to the time.

Transport Secretary, Mark Harper said:

“Communities in Northumberland can get ready for regular train services that will better connect people to jobs, education and opportunities while growing our economy.

“Restoring lost railway connections will drive tourism, boost local business opportunities and encourage investment across our regions, which is why I’m pleased to say that we are on track to reopen this historic line next summer.”