A signal box in Bedlington

Survey works taking place for Northumberland Line

Survey work has started as progress continues towards re-opening passenger rail services between Northumberland and Newcastle.

As part of the current stage of the project, a range of on and off track surveys are taking place in the area over the coming months, including ground investigations. These will help with the design of the proposed stations and the work required to the existing rail infrastructure.

The council’s Outline Business Case was completed earlier this year, with Cabinet signing off a further £10million for the design phase - with a proposed opening date for passenger services in early 2023.

With an additional six stations expected to be open in Northumberland Park, Newsham, Bedlington, Ashington, Seaton Delaval and Blyth Bebside - the new and improved route will link key towns and communities in south east Northumberland and the wider Tyne and Wear region - expecting to deliver economic benefits between £360m to £470m.

Council leader Peter Jackson said: “Each new step in this ambitious project gives us greater confidence we can deliver this vital project for the people of Northumberland in the coming years.

“A whole raft of work is taking place behind the scenes and these surveys are a vital piece of that. We’ll be looking to have further consultation with the public later this year to share more details of where we are at with the project.”

The survey work will be carried out in line with all Government and NHS guidance relating to the reduction of the spread of Coronavirus.

Landowners along the route are now being contacted ahead of the survey work taking place.
 
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