The planned re-opening of the Northumberland Line between Newcastle and Ashington has moved a step forward, after Transport Secretary Grant Shapps announced £34m in funding to progress the scheme. The announcement by the Department for Transport gives the go-ahead to reintroduce a regular rail passenger service between Ashington and central Newcastle, with several stops in between, by 2024. The money will pay for preparatory work, including land acquisition, detailed design work and early site works.
The project will upgrade 18 miles of track, open six new stations, three new footbridges and new signal locations. The whole scheme is projected to deliver economic benefits of up to £470m.

(Permalink) Ashington Newcastle Northumberland Line

The government has announced £794m of funding for the projects to develop an Oxford - Cambridge railway corridor and reintroduce passenger services between Newcastle and Ashington.
(Permalink) Ashington Cambridge Newcastle Northumberland Line Oxford Varsity Line

LNER will add an extra 1,600 seats a week to its trains from next week. The increase, which comes into effect on Monday September 7, will see 10 trains added to the timetable between Scotland and England, connecting Newcastle, Durham, Berwick, Alnmouth and Darlington to York, London, Edinburgh and northern Scotland.
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Rail passengers were still experiencing delays today after a freight train derailment south of Newcastle city centre.
(Permalink) Derailment Newcastle

Rail passengers are facing major delays today after a freight train derailment south of Newcastle city centre.
(Permalink) Derailment Newcastle