Opening date for latest Northumberland Line station revealed
Trains will stop at Blyth Bebside from October 19
The latest station to be completed on the Northumberland Line will open its doors to passengers next month, it has been confirmed. Trains will stop at Blyth Bebside from October 19, with just two stations remaining before the line is fully operational.
The long-awaited return of passenger services to the south east of the county has been hugely successful, with more than half a million journeys already undertaken since trains began running last December. Bebside’s opening date was confirmed on Wednesday by Northumberland County Council leader Glen Sanderson, who also revealed that additional services were also set to begin.
Speaking at a meeting of the council, Coun Sanderson said: “The Northumberland Line has recently reached another important gateway – the station at Blyth Bebside will open on October 19.
“The other two stations will be opening very soon. In terms of new, additional services, there will be a late night service and a Sunday service that takes passengers to the Metro Centre.
“I know you will all share in my enthusiasm for the Northumberland Line. The feedback we’re getting is fantastic.”
The council has said that the remaining stations at Bedlington and Northumberland Park will open early in 2026. The Bebside station will allow passengers to travel to Newcastle in just 29 minutes.
Speaking prior to the meeting, Coun Sanderson said:“It’s great to be able to confirm the opening of our next station. We have purposely designed the station to be as easy as possible to get by foot or by bike, with a brand-new bridge opening and cycle parking at the station.
“The amazing passenger numbers already show just how much need there has been for this line – whether it’s commuters, students heading to college or university or people travelling for leisure – it’s been truly transformational. The opening of Bebside Station will no doubt bring a further boost to passenger numbers and we look forward to residents and visitors using this station in the coming weeks.”
It comes after the council’s cabinet approved plans to shore up a £37.9m budget shortfall for the project. The council will be providing £10m, while £17m will come from central Government.
The remaining £10.9m has been requested from the North East Combined Authority, and is expected to be confirmed next week. North East Mayor Kim McGuinness welcomed the opening date for Bebside.
She said: “It’s great to see that passengers will be able to use Bebside Station in Blyth soon – this is another major milestone for the Northumberland Line and great news for local people.
“The line continues to be very popular with passengers, and I know our rail links are hugely important for our communities, boosting access to opportunities for work, education and leisure. I look forward to seeing the station up and running next month.”