Northumberland Park Station in North Tyneside has received the green light from the Office of Rail and Road (ORR) and will open to passengers on Sunday, 22 February.

It is the fifth of six stations to be completed on the Northumberland Line, with Bedlington Station, the final stop, expected to open in March 2026.

The Northumberland Line brings back passenger services between Newcastle Central and Ashington, providing communities across Northumberland with a reliable and modern transport option.

The new station offers step-free access via a lift, ensuring platforms are fully accessible. Its proximity to the Tyne & Wear Metro station and a nearby multi-storey car park allows smooth connections between rail and metro services.

ORR’s approval covers all station features, including a new platform, waiting shelter, ticket machines, help points, CCTV, and customer information systems. The authorisation confirms that Northumberland Park meets strict standards for health and safety, accessibility, environmental protection, and operational reliability.

The regulator worked closely with Northumberland County Council, Network Rail, Northern Trains, and the wider project team to carry out essential checks and surveys.

With Northumberland Park ready to welcome passengers, the Northumberland Line is one step closer to restoring an important rail link and improving transport choices across the region.

“This is an important step for improving rail connectivity in and around Northumberland, and we look forward to seeing the upgrades open for passengers soon.”

“We’re pleased to have played our part in getting Northumberland Park station ready to open. Our team worked closely with Northumberland County Council, Network Rail, and Northern Trains to support them through the authorisation process, just as we do for new trains and infrastructure across the country.”   

Steve Fletcher, Deputy Director, Engineering and Asset Management at ORR.