The Office of Rail and Road has authorised Bedlington station in Northumberland, which is set to open on 29 March. It will be the last station to be reopened on the route between Newcastle and Ashington.

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

The regulator’s authorisation is a key milestone in getting new, upgraded, or renewed infrastructure ready to open, and such inspections have been required since 1842. It also confirms that standards on areas like health and safety, accessibility and environmental protection have been met.

The ORR’s deputy director for engineering and asset management Steve Fletcher 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 with Network Rail and Northern to support them through the authorisation process, just as we do for new trains and infrastructure across the country.’

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