A BLUEPRINT of how the rail network in the North East could look by 2035 has been revealed – with parts of the region benefitting greatly from new stations, the reopening of previously mothballed routes and transformative projects getting underway.

Releasing the ambitious plans at the start of this week, the North East Joint Transport Committee unveiled a proposal for a new regional rail and metro strategy that could see numerous stations and train lines pop up in the next decade.

This includes the reopening of the Leamside line, which would see stations in Ferryhill, Washington and Gateshead created.

Read more: Return of Leamside line and Ferryhill Station take step forward 

Campaigners and politicians have been advocating for the historic train link to be reopened – after leaving commuters in all three locations requiring buses or cars to get to work and travel for leisure.

Alongside the Leamside creation, the report mentioned the Weardale Railway that could connect Bishop Auckland, Shildon, Newton Aycliffe, Heighington and Darlington North Road with more rural locations, as well as the reopening of the Stillington Line.

Other additions to the North East rail network by 2035 are:

  • The Leamside line and the addition of stations at Ferryhill, Washington and East Gateshead.
  • The Stillington line.
  • Parts of Weardale Railway.
  • Doxford, Silverlink and Cobalt on potential Metro/Rail extensions.
  • Belford on the East Coast Mainline.
  • Seaton Delaval, Newsham, Blyth Bedside, Bedlington, and Ashington on the Northumberland Line.
  • Gisland on the Tyne Valley Line.  

The Northern Echo: The current look of the North East rail networkThe current look of the North East rail network

Most of the stations mentioned were either closed in the Beeching rail cuts, which decimated the rail network in the UK or came from a result of a demand needed in these locations.

As part of the blueprint, the transport committee is set to discuss the new strategy at its next meeting on Tuesday (June 14) following extensive public consultation.

Some of the main actions that the region will take forward include obtaining a government commitment to increasing the capacity of the East Coast Main Line for passengers and freight, extending the Tyne and Wear Metro, upgrading existing networks and adding new stations and routes – including the Leamside Line and Northumberland Line.

The Northern Echo: How the network could look by 2035How the network could look by 2035

Cllr Martin Gannon, Chair, North East Joint Transport Committee, said: “Our transport links are central to the long-term growth and prosperity of the region, and by having the North East Rail and Metro Strategy in place, we are in the best place to deliver on these bold ambitions.

“Our sights are firmly set on reopening the Leamside Line and extending the Metro and we are already taking steps to make these ambitions a reality.

“We also want to drive investment in the East Coast Main Line in the North East and we’ll continue to make our region’s case for funding from central Government to boost capacity.

The Northern Echo: Chair, North East Joint Transport CommitteeChair, North East Joint Transport Committee

"These developments will allow us to achieve our health and economic goals and help local people to access better opportunities – whether that’s for employment, leisure, or education. 

“We want to connect new communities to our rail network, driving more green journeys, tackling air pollution head-on while reducing the reliance on the private car and the associated congestion across our road network.”

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