Contracts for the building of three new stations for the new Northumberland rail line have now been signed and exchanged with principal contractor Morgan Sindall Infrastructure. The signing of the contract means that work can now get underway for the new Bedlington, Blyth Bebside and Seaton Delaval stations.

Work on the large-scale project is already moving at a good rate with Newsham stations works now well in progress and Ashington also nearing completion alongside 21km of brand new track installed. The fourth and final underpass for the new Northumberland rail line was also created earlier in the year with an impressive 100-hour operation.

The new stations at Bedlington and Bebside will have two platforms, whilst the new station at Seaton Delaval will have just one. All three of the stations will have the following features:

• Car parking
• Accessible access
• Link to local cycle and walking routes in a bid to support sustainable travel

Once the line is fully complete, passengers will be able to travel between Newcastle and Ashington in just 35 minutes with services set to run every day of the week. The line will feature miles of relaid track alongside new mainline infrastructure, including the following new stations:

• Ashington
• Bedlington
• Blyth Bebside
• Blyth Newsham
• Seaton Delaval
• Northumberland Park

Glen Anderson, Northumberland County Council Leader said:

“Each week sees further progress on this fantastic scheme and we’re very pleased to be able to formally award these contracts for the stations to Morgan Sindall Infrastructure.”

“We have more and more infrastructure taking shape along the line, with track going down and stations going up.”

“Along with the benefits to the economy and boosts to our education and tourism sectors, this line will bring a range of green benefits to support our climate change agenda, helping to reduce congestion and improve air quality on key roads by moving people away from car travel and onto public transport.”

Huw Merriman, Rail Minister said:

“This is a positive step forward as work continues at pace to restore this historic railway line by next summer, encouraging investment and growth across the north-east.”

“Once re-opened, the Northumberland line will slash journey times for residents in half by delivering regular services for passengers that will connect them to new jobs, education and business opportunities.”

Pieter Esbach, Operations Director from Morgan Sindall Infrastructure, said:

“We’re pleased with how the project is progressing, the stations will help people connect to places within the local region, boosting the local economy.”

“We’re also working closely with the local community, we’ve created 9 new apprenticeships for local people and 53 full-time equivalent local jobs and we continue to engage with over 1600 local school students inspiring future career opportunities.”