The Northumberland Line rail scheme reintroducing passenger services between Ashington and Newcastle is another step closer after funding was agreed for a new road bridge in Blyth. 
 

The council’s Cabinet approved a new funding package for construction of a road bridge over the level crossing at Newsham Road on the A1061. This flyover will create improved traffic flow in and out of the town and help boost economic growth.  
 

It follows the announcement by the Department for Transport earlier this year committing to the scheme, with passenger services rolling again from summer 2024. 
 

The revived stations will be at Ashington, Bedlington, Blyth Bebside, Newsham, Seaton Delaval and Northumberland Park before heading on to Newcastle Central Station.  
 

Council Leader Glen Sanderson said: "This is the most fantastic project, one that has been talked about for a long time, and we need to press the button on a number of parts of this scheme to reach the opening date next year. 
 

"The A1061 at this location already suffers congestion when the rail barriers come down and this would only get worse when passenger services started again, so it is critical we get this new bridge built to ease traffic flow and help Blyth to continue to grow economically.”