Investment in next phase of East West Rail to restore railway lines

In January 2021, the Transport Secretary launched a £794 million investment to boost rail links in north and south of England. This represents the next phase of East West Rail and reopening of the Northumberland line, 2 important rail routes closed more than 50 years ago, as part of government’s ambition to build back better. The new funding includes £760 million for the delivery of the next phase of East West Rail, which will create 1,500 skilled jobs, and reinstate direct rail services between Bicester and Bletchley for the first time since 1968. It also includes £34 million to rapidly progress plans to reopen the Northumberland line between Newcastle-upon-Tyne and Ashington, which closed to passengers in 1964 as part of the Beeching cuts.

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