The Office of Rail and Road (ORR) has officially authorised Northumberland Park Station in North Tyneside, marking the fifth of six stations set to open as part of the transformational Northumberland Line project. The station is scheduled to welcome passengers from Sunday 22 February, with Bedlington Station—the final stop—expected to be approved and operational by March 2026.
The Northumberland Line project represents a major step forward in reintroducing regular passenger rail services between Newcastle Central and Ashington, strengthening regional connectivity and creating new travel options for communities across Northumberland.
Improved Accessibility and Seamless Interchange
Northumberland Park Station now features step‑free access via a new lift, supporting fully accessible journeys to and from the platform. Its proximity to the existing Tyne & Wear Metro station and a multi‑storey car park enables convenient onward travel and smoother interchange between rail services.
What ORR Authorisation Covers
The ORR’s approval confirms the station meets stringent legal and safety requirements across:
- Health and safety
- Accessibility
- Environmental protection
- Reliability and availability
The authorisation includes new infrastructure elements such as a platform, waiting shelter, customer information systems, help points, ticket vending machines, and CCTV.
Collaborative Effort Across the Rail Sector
Throughout the process, ORR worked closely with Northumberland County Council, Network Rail, Northern Trains, and the wider delivery team to ensure essential inspections and surveys were completed.
— Steve Fletcher, Deputy Director, Engineering and Asset Management, ORR
“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.”
The station’s approval marks another major milestone on the journey to fully reopening the Northumberland Line and delivering long‑term benefits for passengers, businesses, and local communities.
Image credit: ORR
