ORR authorises Bedlington Station on the Northumberland Line

ORR authorises Bedlington Station on the Northumberland Line


26 March 2026

The Office of Rail and Road (ORR), the rail regulator, has authorised Bedlington Station in Northumberland – the final station to reopen as part of the Northumberland Line – ahead of its planned opening to passengers on Sunday 29 March.
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Bedlington station drone photo

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ORR’s authorisation covers the station’s two new platforms and associated features, including passenger information systems, help points, lighting, CCTV and ticketing facilities. The station also includes a new car park.

The regulator’s authorisation is a key milestone in getting new, upgraded, or renewed infrastructure, such as at Bedlington station, ready to open. It also confirms that standards on areas like health and safety, accessibility, environmental protection, reliability and availability have been met.

ORR has worked closely with Network Rail, Northern, and the wider project team through the authorisation process, ensuring that important checks and surveys were carried out.

Steve Fletcher, Deputy Director, Engineering and Asset Management at ORR, said:   

“This is an important final step in getting the whole Northumberland line open, and we look forward to passengers experiencing the full benefits of Bedlington station and the fully reopened line soon.

“We’re pleased to have played our part in getting Bedlington station ready to open. Our team worked closely Network Rail and Northern to support them through the authorisation process, just as we do for new trains and infrastructure across the country.”   

Notes to Editors  

  • ORR authorises new and upgraded infrastructure as part of its responsibility to authorise infrastructure and rolling stock that are new or have had a major upgrade or renewal.    
  • Letter of authorisation   

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