Summer 2024 for Northumberland Line
Construction challenges include remediation of old mine workings.
By Graeme Pickering
DESPITE construction challenges ahead, summer 2024 remains the target for restoring passenger services to communities in south-east Northumberland after a gap of 60 years.
Currently used by freight traffic, 15 miles of the former Blyth & Tyne Railway route between the East Coast Main Line at Benton North Junction (on the northern outskirts of Newcastle) and Ashington, is being reconfigured to accommodate a half-hourly passenger service with stations at Northumberland Park, Seaton Delaval, Newsham, Blyth Bebside, Bedlington and Ashington.