On the right track: the Northumberland line’s journey to success
Date published:
The Chamber’s latest column for The Journal by Rhiannon Bearne, executive director – policy & representation and deputy CEO
Last month, I had the privilege of joining the Chamber’s Transport Forum. Expertly chaired by Kevin Bell from law firm Womble Bond Dickinson, the session focused on the recent success of the new Northumberland Line. If you haven’t had the pleasure of a ride yourself, the new train line connects southeast Northumberland to Newcastle (and Newcastle to Northumberland) – and it does so fast.
Residents in Ashington and Seaton Delaval can now reach the region’s capital in just over half an hour, while visitors heading north can easily continue their journey into Northumberland. The new Northern Trains route is cleaner, greener, and cheaper than alternatives like driving, with fares set at a very reasonable maximum of £3 for a single journey at peak times. With fully accessible stations, the route is already proving popular with families, children, and teenagers.
The full project will be complete when stations at Bedlington, Blyth Bebside, Newsham and Northumberland Park open. For now, 26 kilometres of track have been renewed, permanent jobs created for new staff at a conductor centre in Ashington and £20 million worth of social value activity has been delivered. That means apprenticeship opportunities have been offered, volunteering initiatives have been implemented, and community champions have been recruited to promote the line to residents. There are even plans to develop a new Community Rail Partnership, allowing local people to provide feedback and influence the line’s future.
At a time when it often feels like public services are struggling and our infrastructure is crumbling, the Northumberland Line stands out as a real success story. Led by Northumberland County Council in partnership with the region’s transport body, neighbouring councils, private train providers and national agencies, it is a great example of strong collaboration working to strengthen connections between our people and places.
As the County Council team walked our members through the project, we could see eyes lighting up – and not just among the self-confessed train spotters in the room. The Rural Design Centre’s work, based on analysis from a similar route in Scotland, shows the potential to increase visitor numbers and attract more residents, confident in secure, reliable transport connections. As the region makes its pitch for other significant transport projects, such as the Leamside Line and investment in Teesside’s rail network, the Northumberland Line signals (see what I did there…) a bright new era of connectivity and connection.