Morgan Sindall wins £40m stations deal

Northumberland County Council has named Morgan Sindall Infrastructure as its primary contractor for new railway stations on its £162m Northumberland Line projectInitially, Morgan Sindall’s contract includes supporting the conclusion of the detailed design and delivery plans for the six stations and bridges. Northumberland County Council is working with the Department for Transport, Network Rail and Northern Trains Ltd on a programme to reintroduce regular passenger trains between Ashington and Newcastle by 2024. Subject to funding being confirmed by the government, and approval of the recently submitted Transport and Works Act Order (TWAO) application, the framework provides for the contractor starting construction in early 2022. Cost of the work is currently estimated at £40m.New stations at Northumberland Park, Newsham, Bedlington and Ashington are in phase one of the project. Additional stations at Seaton Delaval and Blyth Bebside are in phase two, which could start in 2024.Earlier this year the Department for Transport provided £34m towards detailed design and preparatory works to allow for the reintroduction of a regular rail passenger service between Ashington and central Newcastle, with several stops in between. The project will also upgrade 18 miles of track, create three new footbridges, underpasses and new signal locations.