First trains to make their stop at new £10.55 million train station in Horden

Horden will be served by one train an hour in each direction, helping people reach Newcastle and Middlesbrough and the stops in between.

The project, led by Durham County Council and Network Rail, has been backed with £4.4 million from the Department for Transport’s New Stations Fund.

Up to 70,000 people living nearby will benefit from the chance to use the line, which has not had a station over a 20 kilometre stretch since the previous station was closed in the Beeching cuts in 1964.

Horden has opened later than planned after measures put in place due to the coronavirus outbreak slowed the project - it had been scheduled for completion last month.

Transport Secretary and Northern Powerhouse Minister Grant Shapps said: “Our ambitious plans to restore and revitalise the railways of the North East sits at the heart of our commitment to level up infrastructure across the country, build a railway that works for everyone, and kickstart our economy as we begin the recovery from Covid-19.

“I’ve seen first-hand how the new Horden Station will improve connectivity for thousands of people, easing congestion in Durham and enabling quick, convenient travel between Newcastle and Middlesbrough.

“By backing proposals to improve both Darlington and Middlesbrough stations, we will work to invigorate rail connections and deliver more modern, reliable services for passengers and businesses now and in the future.”

Councillor Simon Henig, leader of Durham County Council, said: “It has been a long-held ambition to have a station at Horden so, after a number of years of hard work and commitment by ourselves and our partners, it’s fantastic that we are now ready to welcome the first train and the first passengers.

“This new facility will open up significant opportunities for communities across east Durham, by providing a direct transport link to Teesside, Wearside and Tyneside.

“And, of course, it will also make it easier for people from outside the area to travel to the east of the county, whether for business or pleasure.”

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