‘It will transform connections for many local communities’

A SPECIALIST firm has been appointed by the North East Mayor as plans to reopen the Leamside Line move forward.

- DAVID HUNTLEY

Kim McGuinness plans to reopen the 21-mile disused rail line and has progressed with the appointment of global infrastructure consultancy AECOM.

AECOM will complete a new assessment that will look at the feasibility and benefits of reopening the line as well as detailed technical work on new investment, which will identify growth opportunities for jobs and housing along a reopened line.

Earlier this year, the Mayor pledged to fund the extension of the Metro to Washington using the northern section of the Leamside Line - the first such extension in over 30 years.

Tobyn Hughes, Director of Transport at the North East Combined Authority, said: “Reopening the Leamside Line is essential not just for the North East but the whole country. It will transform transport connections for many local communities, as well as hugely expanding rail capacity on the adjacent and congested East Coast Main Line.

“We welcome the appointment of AECOM to two commissions. The first of these is already under way and considers the technical aspects of reopening this strategically located route