North-East in line for rail revival
March 13, 2002
The North East is poised to see a rail revival in the next ten years with plans to breathe new life into the network being hailed as the most ambitious since the Beeching axe fell during the 1960s.
It is intended to bring mothballed lines back into action and to create extra stations on existing lines.
The proposals, by the Strategic Rail Authority (SRA), were presented at a seminar in Durham County Hall.
One of the biggest projects involves reviving the Leamside Line, which has not been in regular use for years.
It runs from Ferryhill, through Washington and on to Pelaw at Tyneside where the East Coast Main Line could be linked to the Newcastle to Sunderland route.
New stations could be built at Ferryhill, Belmont, Fence Houses and Washington.
The Leamside connection has been dubbed the ‘forgotten line’ but it now represents a key element in the SRA's plans for the region.
A year ago, when plans for the line were being discussed, Houghton and Washington East MP Fraser Kemp, who has campaigned for the move, said the route had a central role in the overall plan for improving the railways.
Other proposals involve improving the North East Coast Line.
Durham County Council leader Coun Ken Manton said the developments would benefit both passengers and the regional economy.
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