The Northumberland Line: the start of a new golden age for rail
It’s been 60 years since the last passenger train ran between Ashington and Newcastle, in the industrial heartland of North-East England. In that time, the lack of convenient public transport has increased reliance on cars, caused congestion, limited access to jobs and leisure, and contributed to economic decline.
But no longer. Passenger services have now been reintroduced to the new Northumberland Line – a landmark moment for the region and the UK rail industry.
Led by Northumberland County Council (NCC), this innovative and ambitious project is one of the largest capital programmes the council has ever delivered.
For every £1 invested, the scheme is expected to generate over £1.50 in economic benefits.
Appointed by NCC via the Perfect Circle joint venture, we have played a crucial role on the Northumberland Line – creating strong business cases to secure funding, and providing multidisciplinary services across stakeholder management, land consents, ground investigations, design, and cost and programme management.
Helping fast-track delivery and unlock long-term benefits
Delivered through the Department for Transport’s Rail Network Enhancements Pipeline (RNEP), the project was accelerated by our team in partnership with SLC Rail. Together, we helped secure development stage approval in half the usual time by clearly demonstrating the scheme’s benefits.
As one of the largest third-party funded rail upgrades in the UK developed by a local authority, the project sets a new precedent for regional rail delivery.
Working to Project SPEED principles, we supported delivery across a complex, live rail environment – coordinating with Network Rail, NCC, Northern Trains and contractors to reduce risk, minimise disruption and keep the programme on track.
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Degree classification: Minimum 2:1 or equivalent.
"Being the Chair of our Ethnic Diversity Network Careers Subcommittee has allowed me to collaborate with like-minded colleagues, celebrate diverse cultures and advocate for positive change within AECOM." Ejaz, Transport Planning, Bristol
