Northern says it has completed the first test run along the full length of the new Northumberland Line, with preparations continuing ahead of the opening later this year.
The Class 158 completed the test run on the 5th August as part of the driver training programme.
When open, trains will call at Ashington, Newsham, Seaton Delaval, Manors and Newcastle.
Other stations at Bedlington, Blyth Bebside and Northumberland Park will open next year
Fares for the Northumberland Line were announced last month.
A new facility that staff will use when trains begin operating has been built at Ashington
“It’s absolutely fantastic to have reached this landmark moment on the Northumberland Line.
“With the opening of the line fast approaching it’s crucial we’re testing every aspect to ensure a safe and timely service for the thousands who will use the trains every day for commuting, leisure and education reasons.
“I’m sure people living along the line will soon see a lot more of these test trains running as everyone involved gears up for opening soon.”
Glen Sanderson, leader of Northumberland County Council
Responses
Thankfully they got there just in time before Labour scrapped Restoring your Railway. Or maybe they will ditch it anyway before it reopens.
Hopefully it will reduce the amount of traffic on the A189 spine road at peak periods.
The proposed fares could well make it cheaper than using the car.
This is good. I can think of at least a dozern other rail reopening projects that could be done. But with this labour chancellor who knows?
It’s great to have this new line that was closed by the Tories and their stooge Beeching. We can’ spend money that we don’t have, so please don’t criticise Labour for bringing some control to public spending after years of our money going to the Tory’s friends.
Only it wasn’t closed! And Labour happily continued with Beeching’s closures when it took power in 1964. BOTH main parties deserve criticism for their handling of the railways over the decades.
No chance of any more now that Labour has scrapped Restoring your Railways
I am pleased that the trains are nearly ready to return to passenger service, I live in new Hartley now, lived in Seaton Delaval in my school days didn’t think it was going to happen as it’s been talked about all of my life (I’m 57),i heard the train running through Hartley yesterday afternoon and you could tell it hasn’t been out much by the way the wheels and brakes were squealing haha pleased to see it up and running 👍
Does this train go into Newcastle or do you have to change at shiremoor
From the article: “When open, trains will call at Ashington, Newsham, Seaton Delaval, Manors and Newcastle.”
It does go to Newcastle but not Shiremoor. You can change to Metro at Northumberland Park once that is open.
(Sigh) The line isn’t ‘new’. Freight trains have used it ever since passenger trains were discontinued many years ago. It has been upgraded and new stations have been built. And class 158s aren’t new either, if it comes to that. But I have no doubt passengers will flock to it, exceeding expectations, as per just about every rail reopening that happens. So let’s see more lines reopening, Ms New Transport Secretary.
It’s going to central stations you would change at manors for haymarket