Delay to next Northumberland Line stations explained as 500,000 journeys are made on route

The leader of Northumberland County Council says huge engineering challenges have had to be overcome to get the final stations ready on the Northumberland Line.

Half a million journeys have been made along the route between Newcastle and Ashington since it reopened to passengers in December last year.

New stations at Seaton Delaval and Newsham have also opened in that time with work continuing at Bedlington, Blyth Bebside and Northumberland Park.

However, while Blyth Bebside is nearing completion, Bedlington and Northumberland Park are now set to open in 2026. Northern and the council had previously said all three would be welcoming passengers in 2025.

Council leader, Glen Sanderson, said Blyth Bebside would be next to open “in the coming months”, although exact dates are not yet finalised.

“While these final two station openings (Bedlington and Northumberland Park) now look likely to open early next year, I would always rather be safe than sorry in my promises,” he said.

“We have worked to overcome some huge engineering challenges, and I know everyone involved with this project is working incredibly hard to open all stations as quickly and safely as possible."

He said there had been unexpected problems at Bedlington including moving a water pipe from the designated car park site (a process which took four months) and old stonework collapsing when contractors removed a supporting wall for the platform (which needed relaying).

Speaking about the 500,000 journeys being made along the route, Sanderson commented: “This is a fantastic achievement, and I’d like to thank every single person who has used this line, whether that’s for work, socialising, education or simply to experience it.

“These amazing figures reflect how important the line is for many people for so many reasons,” adding that it has transformed travel in the area and opened up “a whole new economic corridor”.

To meet demand, Northern has strengthened all Sunday services to four carriages.