Several major milestones have been reached in the construction of the Northumberland Line, although the first services on the revived route are now not expected until December.
Following the opening of the new Newsham Roadbridge in Blyth last week, the whole line can now be fitted with a new signalling system, and all of the new track along the route can now be used for testing, with passenger trains to do test runs for the first time in 60 years.
David Ball, Senior Sponsor for Network Rail, said: “Bringing this line back to life has meant renewing almost everything that remained since the last passenger service in the mid-60s, with a brand new signalling system and new track both key to getting the journey times and capacity – alongside the existing freight services - that will make this line a critical part of the North East rail network.”
However, Northumberland County Council has said that a new target window to start passenger services has been set for December this year, as a result of “weather-related impact to construction.”
Programme Director Neil Blagburn said: "We’re delivering six new accessible stations, a half hourly service and 35 minute end to end journey time – benefiting not just those who live along or near the line – but bringing a huge regional boost in terms of travel and access to jobs, housing and education.”
The Northumberland Line project involves several key partners, including Northumberland County Council, the Department for Transport (DfT), Network Rail and Northern.
The line will restore passenger services between Ashington and Newcastle, with the project now having an anticipated final cost of £298.5m following contributions from the council, Network Rail and the DfT.
Recent analysis has shown that the Northumberland Line is a value-for-money investment, with every one pound invested in the line expected to generate £1.50 for the wider economy.
Jason Wade, Regional Director for Northern, added: “We are looking forward to bringing passenger trains back to communities in south east Northumberland for the first time in 60 years.
“We remain focused on delivering a safe, reliable and affordable service for our customers, who will be able to travel along the entire line in 35 minutes and pay no more than £3 for a single fare.”
Image credit: iStock
