17.09.14
Plans to build long-awaited Horden station ‘progressing’
Plans to build a new station in East Durham are ‘progressing’ and it could be operational by as soon as spring 2016, officials at Durham County Council (DCC) say.
Work on the long-awaited station at Horden could start next year, with the council aiming to start the planning process by the end of this year.
Back in 2012, a demand study commissioned by DCC revealed that the proposed station was economically viable and that the scheme “should be progressed with rail industry stakeholders accordingly”.
It has been a long aspiration of DCC to build an additional station on the Durham Coast Line between Seaham and Hartlepool to serve the communities of Peterlee, Horden and their outlying villages. And, in 2010, a study led to the identification of a preferred site for the station adjacent to the Seaview Industrial Estate in Horden.
Adrian White, the DCC’s head of transport and contract services, told the Hartlepool Mail: “We are currently working with Network Rail on the business case, proposed design and operation of the new Peterlee (Horden) Railway Station. We aim to begin the planning process before the end of 2014 with a view to starting work in 2015 and with the station opening in spring 2016.
“By providing much easier travel to Newcastle, Sunderland and Middlesbrough, the station will help the 61,000 residents in the surrounding area access jobs and opportunities across the region.”
Network Rail has confirmed it is working with the council on the project, but is at an early stage of feasibility.
In a report published earlier this year it was stated that the proposed scheme involves the construction of a new two platform station on the Durham Coast Line between Hartlepool and Sunderland, which would be served by the existing hourly Northern Franchise service.
It was stated in the original 2012 report, that the expected outcome is that “in the region of 40,129 annual return trios could be made from the new station”.
Cllr Paul Stradling, who represents Horden, added that discussions with Northern Rail are progressing satisfactorily. “The key thing now is timetables arranged so that there will be ample room for stoppage at Horden,” he added.
(Image is of the former Horden station site. Source: http://build.tripod.lycos.com/albums/v203/hordenlife/Railway/?action=view&current=Rail1.jpg)
Tell us what you think – have your say below or email [email protected]