North East Mayor Kim McGuinness has welcomed the launch of a major growth plan for the North - with Northern Powerhouse Rail and a new rail line for County Durham at its heart.
As part of the announcement, Government confirmed that development work on the Leamside Line will be taken forward alongside Northern Powerhouse Rail – marking a significant endorsement of the Mayor’s plans to deliver a new rail line for County Durham.
North East mayor Kim McGuinness, said: “The Government has backed our plans for a new railway line in County Durham. This is a firm commitment to the North East, and it is one step further towards a transformation of rail services joining up the region.
“We know people in our region, particularly in County Durham, have missed out on the ability to use the railway. This will join them up right from Ferryhill to Newcastle, and with that a connection to the Metro extension to Washington we have already started work on.
“This brings back rail to parts of the region that haven’t had it for decades, it brings people to jobs and opportunities so it is a huge moment for the North East. We’ve already delivered the Northumberland Line and we’re well underway with the Metro extension to Washington. This is another step forward in our vision for world class transport across the North East.”