The return of passenger rail travel to south east Northumberland has been pushed back to 2024.
The Government has confirmed that regular services will return to the much-anticipated Northumberland Line by summer 2024, with an exact date expected closer to the time. In June 2022, it was announced that the 18 miles of track would be carrying passengers by December of this year. The reasons for the delay are yet to be specified.
The Northumberland Line will stop at Ashington, Bedlington, Blyth Bebside, Newsham, Seaton Delaval, Northumberland Park and finally Newcastle Central. The Government say the completed line will slash journey times in half and bring the railway back to towns that have not had services since the time of the Beatles.
READ MORE: See how work is progressing on the Northumberland Line as rail project takes shape
Speaking following the announcement, 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.”
The Government and Northumberland County Council are hopeful the half-hourly service will "reconnect communities" and boost the region's economy by improving access to jobs. Officials say journey times between Ashington and Newcastle will be reduced from 70 minutes to just 35.
The leader of the county council, Coun 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."
The Northumberland Line project forms part of the Government’s Restoring Your Railways scheme, which has been reinstating local services and restoring closed stations and railway lines that were axed as a result of the Beeching cuts in 1963.
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.”
Read Next:
