Passenger services between Newcastle and Ashington are now planned to start in December, later than the previously announced start date of summer 2024.
The delay has been blamed on ‘weather related impact to construction’, although Northumberland County Council says every partner in the project is working hard to allow the line to open earlier than the December date.
On 1 August a new road bridge across the railway opened at Newsham, the site of one of the line’s six new stations, replacing a level crossing. The Council says this means signalling work can be completed and all new track along the route can be used, with test runs starting for the first time in over 60 years. On 31 July an underpass opened at Palmersville, in place of a foot crossing, and this was due to be followed by the installation of a cycle bridge over the A189 connecting northern Blyth to Blyth Bebside station.
On 5 August Northern ran its first train along the length of the line following the upgrades. While one of its Class 158s had previously reached Ashington on a test run, this was via Morpeth and a reversal at Bedlington, pending completion of the works at Newsham.
With all stations now under contract, an anticipated final cost of £298.5 million has been confirmed for the scheme, made up of contributions from the Department for Transport, Northumberland County Council and Network Rail. The Council’s analysis suggests that for every £1 invested in the line more than £1.50 is expected to be generated in wider benefits.
When services start only three stations will be open – Seaton Delaval, Newsham and Ashington, with the other three (Northumberland Park, Blyth Bebside and Bedlington) due to follow in 2025. Northern is to operate a half-hourly service between Newcastle and Ashington, with an end-to-end journey time of around 35 minutes.
