Media centre

Wednesday 4 Sep 2024

Safety advice with Northumberland Line at busiest in 60 years

Region & Route:

Eastern

| Eastern: North & East

People living near the Northumberland Line are being warned to take extra care with more trains now running on the major upgraded route.

Driver training has started meaning the line is now far busier than any time in the last 60 years – with Network Rail warning that people must not be complacent when it comes to crossing the line.

It’s all part of a £298.5m project to reconnect people living in South East Northumberland and beyond to the rail network.

The driver training will take place throughout the autumn with passenger services running from December 2024.

Now the route is much busier - with more frequent and faster trains - people are being urged to know the risks.

Residents living near the railway are being warned to follow all instructions at level crossings as improper use can cause delays and affect trains running on time.

In recent weeks, Network Rail’s community safety teams have been in the area, visiting schools before they broke up for the summer holidays.

Paul Bennett, Network Rail’s North and East route head of safety, health and environment, said: “While beginning driver training is a key achievement in the Northumberland Line project, we would like to remind level crossing users to stop, look and listen and to check both ways before crossing.

“Safety is our number one priority and the trains running along the route are faster and more frequent, so do not stop when you are on the crossing. We have been delivering sessions to local schools to remind students of the dangers of the railway and the potential consequences of trespassing.”

 Jason Wade, regional director for Northern, said: “We’re looking forward to running a safe, reliable and affordable service for passengers along the Northumberland Line.

“Our driver training programme is now well underway and that means they are driving trains along the line on a regular basis, so they can gain an in-depth knowledge of the route.

“We are urging everyone in the area to take extra care when they are using one of the level crossings to avoid putting themselves in danger and ensure they do not trespass on this busy railway line.”

Cllr Glen Sanderson, Leader of Northumberland County Council, said: "It's fantastic to have reached this milestone and see more trains running again on this line ahead of opening.

"However, it's vitally important we remind people about the obvious dangers that come with more frequent and faster trains using the tracks.

"We know a lot of work has gone on, particularly with our young people in schools, in raising awareness, but everyone needs to heed the safety messages as we get nearer to opening later this year."

 To use level crossings safely, people should:

• Concentrate – it’s easy to get distracted, especially by phones, music and conversation.
• Always follow signs and instructions displayed at level crossings.
• Check both ways before crossing – if there is a train coming, don’t cross.
• Understand the warnings which alert when a train approaching (lights, barriers, alarms).
• Cross quickly, keeping children close and dogs on a lead.

To find out more about the Northumberland Line, visit: https://www.northumberlandline.uk/.