Network Rail has started refurbishing and upgrading the Ashington, Blyth and Tyne line to reintroduce passenger services on the route for the first time since 1964.
The initial work is renewing 600 yards of track at Newsham following £34 million of funding from the Department for Transport’s Restoring Your Railway fund. Further funding is expected to be announced when detailed designs for the full reinstatement are finished.
The full project involves upgrading 18 miles of track and signalling between Ashington and Newcastle and opening new stations at Ashington, Bedlington, Blyth Bebside, Newsham and Seaton Delaval. Trains will connect with the Tyne and Wear Metro at Northumberland Park. Three new footbridges will also be built. Passenger trains are due to return to the route in 2024.
