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A railway line in north-east England that was closed to passengers in the 1960s is due to reopen next year. Transport Secretary Mark Harper has announced that regular train services will return to the Northumberland Line between Newcastle and Ashington in the summer of 2024. The highway was previously expected to reopen later this year.
The PA news agency has asked the Department for Transport (DfT) why services will start later than planned.
The project includes the construction of six new stations at Ashington, Bedlington, Blyth Bebside, Newsham, Seaton Delaval and Northumberland Park.
Preparatory work started in January 2021.
Mr Harper said: “Northumberland communities can prepare for regular rail services that will better connect people with jobs, education and opportunity as our economy grows.
“Restoring lost rail links will boost tourism, boost local business opportunities and encourage investment in our regions, so I'm pleased to say we're on track to reopen this historic line next summer.
The Northumberland line was phased out following a report by British Railways chairman Dr Richard Beeching in 1963 that it decimated much of the network due to low demand and high costs.
The restoration of services will cut journey times between Newcastle and Ashington from 70 minutes to 35 minutes, according to the DfT.
The trains will run seven days a week.
I am very excited to have reached this point as we prepare to get trains running again in this part of our county.
Northumberland County Council Leader Glen Sanderson said: “We are delighted to have reached this important milestone giving the green light for the start of major construction work.
“This is such a transformative program that will benefit residents, businesses and visitors for generations to come.
“We have worked hard over the last few years to carry out this project, approve all the necessary plans and stations, and prepare the line for major works.
"This is the moment we are working towards and I am very excited to have gotten to this point as we prepare to get trains running again in this part of our county."
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