Progress is racing ahead on The Northumberland Line rail project - with approval now granted for two more stations. 
 

The council’s Strategic Planning Committee gave the green light for new stations and associated infrastructure at Bedlington and Seaton Delaval. New stations at Ashington and Northumberland Park were agreed earlier this year. 
 

Two more stations are planned at Bebside and Newsham in Blyth and will be considered by planners in due course. 
 

Council Leader Glen Sanderson said: “This is another great milestone for the Northumberland Line project and means we now have four stations approved for construction. 
 

“Day by day and step by step we are getting closer to the wheels turning and this brilliant project up and running.   
 

“This is such a transformational scheme which will bring benefits for people and business for generations to come.” 
 

The Northumberland Line which will connect the south-east of the county to central Newcastle, with half hourly services and journey times between Blyth and Newcastle of under 25 minutes. 
 

The project is set to transform the economy of the area, as well as providing much-improved transport links and opportunities for better education and jobs. 
 

The reopening of the Northumberland Line will deliver 18 miles of upgraded track and six new stations. The whole scheme is expected to deliver economic benefits of up to £470m and is due to be open by winter 2023. 
 

From November 9th the inquiry for the Transport and Works Act Order (TWAO), which is needed for authorising all new rail or tram schemes, gets underway. It is being held at Blyth Civic Centre and is expected to last up to four weeks. 
 

For more information on the inquiry go to https://nland.uk/TWAO  
 

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