(05 Oct 2023, 10:29 am)Adrian wrote 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.

I can't confirm 100% but I do believe there's stuff on the track around the Cox Green area, namely here - https://www.google.com/maps/@54.8882333,...?entry=ttu

The A19 would need widened aswell I believe, as it's only wide enough for one track. Be quick an expensive job for not sure exactly what.

Anyone travelling from Washington it would be quicker to get a direct bus, since the train station is so out of the way and heading to Sunderland from elsewhere there's already a direct service anyway. Going in the opposite direction I'm not sure why anyone would really use it as the stations are in the middle of nowhere in terms of a destination.

I could get the argument for Sunderland South though.