The historic Northumberland Line is set to return during the summer of 2024 and will bring improved connectivity for rail passengers in the North-East.
The project currently sees the government working alongside Northumberland County Council, Network Rail and Northern Rail in order to return regular train services in time for the line's opening which will create faster and simpler travel between Ashington and Newcastle.
The project aims to see communities re-connected and is expected to bring increased footfall reminiscent of its heyday in the 1960s returned for historic railway towns boosting the local economy and improving access to employment and education as well supporting tourism.
Journey times will be halved from 70 to 35 minutes once the Northumberland Line reopens with regular services operating seven days a week. The line will feature six brand new fully accessible stations and will stop at:
- Ashington
- Bedlington
- Blyth Bebside
- Newsham
- Seaton Delaval
- Northumberland Park
- Newcastle Central
The project has seen the creation of approximately 100 high-skilled jobs and apprenticeships which have been beneficial for the local community.
Improvements in air quality are also expected to be seen alongside a cut in congestion as people are encouraged to travel by train in place of cars.
The impressive project is part of the Government's Restoring Your Railways scheme which aims to reinstate local services and return closed stations and railways which were sadly axed in 1963 as part of the Beeching cuts.
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.”
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.
“This is the moment we've been working towards and I am so excited we've reached this point as we prepare to get trains rolling again through this part of our county.”
Matt Rice, Network Rail's North & East Route Director said: “This is hugely welcome news as we get closer to delivering a transformed railway which will support the re-introduction of regular passenger trains and connect communities in Northumberland and Newcastle.
“We're proud to be working with our industry partners on this truly revolutionary project, which will boost economic growth and bring a new lease of life to the region.”
Great news but why no Stakeford station and will they keep the option to extend to Newbiggin ?
The answer to your questions is Money. Stakeford used to have a Halt, but that was taken out many years ago, due to little use.
The line beyond Ashington is Freight Only, so Newbiggin won’t be done. Apart from the spur up to Ashington, where trains will reverse back to the junction just north of Stakeford to heading towards Seaton Delaval on the line back to Newcastle.
It will be so good to finally have this rail line brought back into use.
Just wondering, it’s week of operation, wouldn’t it be good if a Black 5 and 3 MK1 carriages could be used.