Initiative​

The Northumberland Line is designed to stimulate economic growth, regeneration, and community development across Northumberland and the surrounding regions. The project will deliver new and improved transport links for local people and businesses, leaving a positive and lasting legacy.​

​Blyth Bebside Station, the fourth of six new stations constructed as part of the project, opened on 19 October 2025.

Implementation
Forte Engineering delivered the mechanical, electrical and telecoms installation for Blyth Bebside Station. This included the works for the two platforms, car park, station footbridge, and lifts.

• Installation of over 7000 meters of cabling to power the infrastructure.
• Installation of Customer Information Systems (CIS), LLPA, Help Points, CCTV and lighting.
• Installation of lighting and Electric Vehicle Chargers (EVCs) in the new car park.
• Installation of anti-climb lighting across the new A189 pedestrian/cycle bridge and street lighting for the new station entrances and cycle bridge.

Expertise

Utilising our wealth of experience in the mechanical and electrical (M&E) sector, we worked closely with both the Principal Contractor and the Designer to ensure that construction and design were fully aligned. Our collaborative approach ensured that the resultant solution will stand the test of time.​

​A significant aspect of the Blyth Bebside station included the creation of a new pedestrian/cycle bridge linking the station to the town over the A189. We installed specialist anti-climb lighting across the bridge, providing safe levels of lighting while physically preventing climbing to deter improper use.

Impact
1m+ journeys on the Northumberland Line were celebrated at Blyth Bebside Station in January 2026. This station and wider project will:

• Provide passengers with a new connection to the rail network.
• Provide passengers with a modern, accessible environment, with the latest station technology.
• Boost the region’s economy through improving access to jobs, a key driver for the scheme.

Social Value
Embedding sustainable and social value principles is integral to our approach. We achieved the following on this project:

• 4 apprentices have been working on this project, developing skills for the future.
• In partnership with Rail Safe Friendly, we delivered rail safety education to local schools.
• Installing EVCs to encourage commuters to include rail within their commute to reduce their carbon footprint.