(05 Oct 2023, 9:55 am)Storx wrote The Leamside Line is only the line from Newcastle to Ferryhill aswell, the section between Penshaw and South Hylton is much more expensive. It's been removed since the 60's and the A19 and houses are in the track line. There's never, as far as I'm aware, been a line from Washington towards South Hylton (the North / East curve). It won't ever be built that part as imo it's not really needed / useful.

The A19 and houses aren't in the track line. It's still there as a walking (and I think part, vehicular) route, and I understand that Network Rail still own the track bed between South Hylton and the junction on to the Leamside line.

There is an underpass under the A19. It's been 20 years since I've walked through it, but they'd need to do something with that to allow clearance for trains, which I don't think would be a massive project.

The curve itself from South Hylton to Washington, I agree, I don't think there's ever been one. There's nothing really in the way of it though, and I imagine the TNE plans included purchase of that land, if not already owned.