The Office of Rail and Road has authorised Northumberland Park station in North Tyneside, clearing the way for its opening on Sunday 22 February. It becomes the fifth of six stations delivered through the Northumberland Line project, which has reinstated passenger services between Newcastle Central and Ashington.
The final station on the route, Bedlington, is expected to receive authorisation and open in March 2026, bringing the full scheme into operation.
Northumberland Park strengthens interchange in the area, sitting alongside the existing Tyne & Wear Metro station and multi-storey car park. The design supports seamless transfer between heavy rail and Metro services, reinforcing the wider connectivity benefits of the reopened corridor.
The new station includes step-free access via lift, a platform with waiting shelter, customer information systems, help points, ticket vending machines and CCTV. ORR’s approval confirms that requirements covering safety, accessibility, environmental protection, reliability and availability have been met.
Authorisation is a critical stage in bringing new infrastructure into service. It provides independent assurance that systems, processes and physical assets are fit for passenger use. In this case, ORR worked closely with Northumberland County Council, Network Rail, Northern Trains and the wider project team to ensure the necessary checks and surveys were completed.
The Northumberland Line has been one of the most high-profile rail reopening schemes in recent years. By restoring passenger services on a former freight route, it provides communities across south-east Northumberland with improved access to employment, education and services in Newcastle and beyond.
With Northumberland Park now approved and Bedlington to follow, the project moves closer to full delivery. For the region, that means not just new stations, but a materially strengthened transport spine designed to support long-term economic growth and modal shift.
Image: Office of Rail and Road
