The lines through Darlington station will be closed and train services disrupted over the weekend of 11 and 12 October to allow the latest stage in the project to enlarge the station, but the date for completion of the scheme has been put back from this December to spring 2026.

The continuing uncertainty over Northern Powerhouse Rail has prompted Transport for the North to describe investment holdups in its region as ‘very disappointing’. TfN members are ‘frustrated’ at the slow pace of schemes, which are delayed by various factors. They point out that delays lead to cost increases, and are planning to make a submission to the government.