Case made to electrify Middlesbrough to Northallerton train line as a 'top priorty'

Electrification of the Middlesbrough to Northallerton train line should be a top priority, a task force has told the Government.

The final report of the Electrification Task Force was presented to the Transport Secretary today.

The group, which includes Redcar Liberal Democrat MP Ian Swales, was created in December 2013 to determine how electrification could deliver greater economic growth in the north of England.

Thirty two routes were examined and grouped into three prioritisation tiers based on their ability to contribute to local economic plans and how they fit with other schemes.

The Northallerton to Middlesbrough line has been placed in the priority Tier 1.

Ian Swales said: “Investment in this line will enable a new operator to take over the Middlesbrough to London line and finally offer a direct service which will greatly benefit Teesport and make transporting freight easier. The fight goes on to achieve electrification of the coastal and Tees Valley lines.”

The report was welcomed by Middlesbrough Labour MP Andy McDonald, who has fought for better rail links for Teesside.

“This is exactly what I have been calling for and it’s a great day for Middlesbrough and the wider Tees Valley”, he said.

“Our town and sub-region will be among the first where work will begin on developing the business case and presenting a properly costed and resourced programme into the rail industry planning cycle. It is expected this will allow the schemes to start in 2019/2020 when the current committed programme comes to an end.”

Stephen Catchpole, managing director of Tees Valley Unlimited, the Local Enterprise Partnership for the region, said: “This announcement supports our ambitions for an effective and efficient transport network, which will enable the Tees Valley to become more competitive and productive.”