{"id":490711,"date":"2026-07-28T19:19:22","date_gmt":"2026-07-28T09:19:22","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/railuk.com\/?p=197001"},"modified":"2026-07-28T19:19:22","modified_gmt":"2026-07-28T09:19:22","slug":"study-into-rail-passenger-services-in-east-cleveland-reveals-findings","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/www.vibewire.com.au\/?p=490711","title":{"rendered":"Study into Rail passenger services in East Cleveland reveals findings"},"content":{"rendered":"

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A detailed study into providing passenger rail services on a freight line in East Cleveland has revealed its findings.<\/p>\n

The in-depth study by consultancy firm ARUP has taken a close look at the work required to allow regular passenger services on the route between Saltburn and Boulby to boost connectivity in East Cleveland.<\/p>\n

At the moment, the line is only used by freight traffic servicing the British Steel Special Profiles Facility, at Skinningrove, and the Cleveland Potash, Boulby Mine site. <\/p>\n

The study<\/u><\/a> found indicative capital costs for the project would range from \u00a3107million to \u00a3329million \u2013 citing the need for station construction, track renewal, signalling upgrades and wider infrastructure works to meet full Network Rail standards.<\/p>\n

The report found the return of passenger services would help the regeneration of the area by improving connectivity and address inequality by ensuring transport was less of a barrier to employment, education and other social needs \u2013 with the possibility of also unlocking more of the coastline\u2019s tourist potential.<\/p>\n

But it also highlighted that some sections of the route are in poor condition, would need major investment to be suitable for regular passenger use, and that there would be limited opportunities to increase speeds on the line for journeys.<\/p>\n

It also added that the track beyond Skinningrove is privately-owned, rather than in Network Rail ownership, which would complicate the requirements for regular passenger services to operate, while also ensuring freight use of the line is retained.<\/p>\n

It ultimately found the project\u2019s economic benefits would be weak \u2013 with the costs outweighing the benefits typically required to support the investment of government funding under current requirements.  <\/p>\n

However, any future work on the project would examine this in more detail \u2013 particularly if the funding requirements change.<\/p>\n

Tees Valley Mayor Ben Houchen said: \u201cEnsuring the people of East Cleveland have the transport they need and deserve to access the good quality well-paid jobs being created is vital.<\/p>\n

\u201cThis has been a very thorough piece of work by industry experts \u2013 and we now have a good idea of the costs, the significant extra money we\u2019d need to attract from the Government and options involved to introduce passenger services on the freight line.  <\/p>\n

\u201cWe\u2019ll now be working together on next steps to improve all forms connectivity in the region to get more people linked up with jobs.\u201d<\/p>\n

The Combined Authority commissioned the study after the Mayor and Cabinet agreed to launch the study as part of a package of transport projects in January 2024.<\/p>\n

The project has built on the work of previous studies, however, this report has looked at the condition of the infrastructure in much greater detail to understand the scale of the work needed to allow regular passenger services along the route.<\/p>\n

Councillor Carl Quartermain, Cabinet Member for Highways & Transport at Redcar & Cleveland Borough Council, said: \u201cThe strategic case for improving connectivity in East Cleveland is undeniable. Better transport links are essential if we are to connect our communities with jobs, education and other opportunities.<\/p>\n

\u201cWhile this report highlights significant challenges in bringing passenger services back to this route, it also reinforces why improving connectivity must remain a priority. If this proposal is not viable economically, we will continue working with our partners at Tees Valley Combined Authority to explore and deliver other solutions that provide East Cleveland with the transport connections it needs and deserves.\u201d<\/p>\n

The study documents can be found here: <\/strong>East Cleveland Railway Line – Tees Valley<\/u><\/strong><\/a><\/p>\n

Image credit: Tees Valley Combined Authority<\/p>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"

\"\"<\/a>A detailed study into providing passenger rail services on a freight line in East Cleveland has revealed its findings. The in-depth study by consultancy firm ARUP has taken a close look at the work required to allow regular passenger services on the route between Saltburn and Boulby to boost connectivity in East Cleveland. At the [\u2026]<\/p>\n","protected":false},"author":13,"featured_media":0,"comment_status":"open","ping_status":"closed","sticky":false,"template":"","format":"standard","meta":{"om_disable_all_campaigns":false,"_monsterinsights_skip_tracking":false,"_uf_show_specific_survey":0,"_uf_disable_surveys":false,"footnotes":""},"categories":[16013,343,47,85],"tags":[],"class_list":["post-490711","post","type-post","status-publish","format-standard","hentry","category-general-interest","category-infrastructure","category-rail-news","category-uk"],"aioseo_notices":[],"aioseo_head":"\n\t\t\n\t\n\t\n\t\n\t\n\t\n\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t