Changes to proposals for Chase Meadows Level Crossing

The Northumberland Line has brought passenger trains back into service on the existing railway line between Ashington and Newcastle, improving connectivity and accessibility in South East Northumberland. Trains started running on the line in December 2024.

Because of the increased frequency and speed of the new passenger trains and the fact trains are coming from both directions on both tracks, Chase Meadows Level Crossing was closed on safety grounds under a temporary order in April 2024.

Our original proposals were for a new footbridge to replace the pedestrian crossing across the tracks at Chase Meadows. However, we have since considered other options, and our current preferred option is to extinguish the right of way over the level crossing (instead of diverting it over a new bridge). This would mean the footpath over the railway at Chase Meadows is permanently closed.

The main reason we have considered other options is that the cost of building the footbridge increased significantly, with our last estimate putting it at six times the original budget. This increase is largely due to inflation, as well as significant costs associated with creating access to the site for construction, and diverting a water main and high voltage cable. The new estimated cost of the bridge means it is no longer proportionate. We have considered alternatives to closing the crossing, but our assessment shows that none of these options sufficiently reduce the risks to crossing users.

We are also mindful of local concerns about the proposed footbridge that were submitted as objections to the footbridge planning application. Local people were particularly concerned about anti-social behaviour and the visual impact of the footbridge.

We appreciate that permanently removing the route over the railway in this location may have a negative impact on people who previously used the route. However, we expect that in most cases people will now have found alternative routes. The opening of Blyth Bebside station (including the footbridge over the A189) this year will provide an additional means of crossing the railway.

If we choose to go ahead with the option of permanently closing the crossing, we will make an application for a Rail Crossing Extinguishment Order under section 118A of the Highways Act to authorise the closure. Local residents will have an opportunity to comment on the proposed extinguishment and any such comments will be taken into account before a final decision is taken.

Public information session

For anyone who would like to discuss the proposals for the level crossing in more detail, we are hosting a public information session on Monday 16 June from 6:00pm to 8:00pm at Briardale House, Briardale Road, Blyth, NE24 5AN. Members of our team will be available to answer your questions about the information in this letter, or address any queries or concerns you may have about the proposals on a one-to-one basis.

Please note that this is a drop-in session so you can attend anytime between 6:00pm and 8.00pm.

If you are unable to attend but have questions that you would like to put to the team, please do not hesitate to get in touch via email at rail@northumberland.gov.uk or call 0345 600 6400.