(15 Feb 2022, 9:49 pm)Storx wrote Seen they've released the plans for this - https://www.transportnortheast.gov.uk/wp...rategy.pdf

Thank god the Consett line is dead and buried. Nothing really stupid as usual bar the Cobalt link which I don't see the point when the 19 is failing as it is. Nice to see the Doxford Park and West End lines are back on with a service running along the ECML via Dunston towards the Metro Centre.

DCC have thrown money towards the Government conducting a feasibility study on the Consett options: https://www.durham.gov.uk/consettrail

They're expecting a response by Spring / Summer 2022.

(16 Feb 2022, 8:27 am)busmanT wrote I suspect that work on reopening the Leamside line will start as soon as work on the Northumberland line is complete, provided that there is a single north east Combined Authority and an elected mayor.

That is of course the carrot that is being repeatedly dangled, but the curveball now is that Durham County Council have been invited to take forward proposals for County devolution. I'd imagine that depending on how that is planned to work, it could have consequences for a wider North East (LA7) devolution deal.