Near Morpeth station on the East Coast Main Line, Network Rail engineers have completed a £13.2 million project.

The project involved securing a railway embankment which will protect the line for many years.

Since February 2021, trains in Northumberland have been running at a reduced speed due to movements in the ground, resulting in a landslip and a weakened embankment.

Over 4000m of steel and over 4000 tonnes of concrete were installed during the piling process from may to October 2022. This involved driving foundations deep into the ground, which stabilises the embankment.

As work is now completed, trains can now run at a normal speed, which will help to reduce delays.

Jonny Ham, Lead Portfolio Manager for Network Rail’s East Coast route, said: “I’m very pleased that this essential work is now complete, allowing the embankment to remain safe with trains running at normal speed once again.

“Passengers travelling on the East Coast Main line can now look forward to smoother, more reliable journeys in Northumberland, and I would like to thank everyone for bearing with us throughout the duration of the project.”