Northumberland County Council is working in conjunction with the Department for Transport, Network Rail and Northern Trains Ltd in a massive project to bring back regular passenger trains between Ashington and Newcastle by 2024.
Morgan Sindall Infrastructure has been named as the Primary Contractor on the Councils new stations framework contract for the project, which now includes contract documentation. The initial part of the work will see the conclusion of the comprehensive design and delivery plans for the stations along with bridges.
Once the expected funding of £40 million for delivery of the entire scheme has been agreed by the Government, and the Transport and Works Act Order (TWAO) application has been approved, the contractor will begin undertaking the construction which is set to start in the early part of 2022.
Morgan Sindall Infrastructure works with both public and commercial customers on some of the UK's most complex and critical infrastructure. Employing more than 2,000 people, they provide engineering expertise with attention to maintaining long term working relationships means that they deliver safe, innovative and responsible infrastructure throughout the country.
The Department for Transport has funded £34 million towards the comprehensive design and preparation work required to reintroduce a regular rail passenger service from Ashington and central Newcastle, including several stops between. The huge project will also see 18 miles of track upgraded, three new footbridges built along with underpasses and new signal locations. It is expected that the project will bring enormous economic benefit to the area of up to £470 million.
Council Leader Glen Sanderson said: “We're delighted to have appointed Morgan Sindall Infrastructure. As a hugely respected company with a proven track record, we're confident they will carry out a first-class job on this extremely important and high-profile project.
“The tendering process was extremely competitive and I'm grateful to all those contractors who clearly put a lot of time and effort into the bidding process.”
Simon Smith, Managing Director of Morgan Sindall Infrastructure, said: “We're incredibly pleased to support Northumberland County Council on this ambitious project. We believe in enhancing communities and creating long-term social and economic opportunities for everyone. We're excited to continue working with the local communities in Northumberland to improve local transport links and create a lasting legacy in the area.”
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A new era for the Northumberland Line. About time.
A little map or a list of places to be served by the stations would be nice.