'Economic benefits weak': report damages case for passengers services between Saltburn and Boulby

Passenger trains stopped running between Saltburn and Boulby in 1960, and bringing them back could cost £329m.

The economic benefits to reopening passenger trains between Saltburn and Boulby “would be weak”, a study for the Tees Valley Combined Authority has found.

However, Tees Valley politicians have committed to exploring “other solutions that provide East Cleveland with the transport connections it needs and deserves”.

The report, by Arup, was commissioned by TVCA to assess the work required to provide passenger trains between Saltburn and Boulby, on the North Yorkshire coast.

The line is currently only used by freight trains servicing the British Steel special profiles mill at Skinningrove and the Cleveland Potash Boulby Mine site.

Passenger trains stopped running in 1960, and bringing them back has been complicated by the fact that Network Rail only owns the section between Saltburn and Skinningrove. Beyond that the line is owned by Cleveland Potash.

The study found capital costs for the project could be up to £329m, with station construction, track renewal, signalling upgrades and wider infrastructure works required.

It said the project would improve connectivity and tackle inequality, but ultimately said the economic case was “weak” with the costs outweighing the benefits.

Tees Valley Mayor Ben Houchen said: “Ensuring the people of East Cleveland have the transport they need and deserve to access the good quality well-paid jobs being created is vital.

“This has been a very thorough piece of work by industry experts – and we now have a good idea of the costs, the significant extra money we’d need to attract from the Government and options involved to introduce passenger services on the freight line.

“We’ll now be working together on next steps to improve all forms of connectivity in the region to get more people linked up with jobs.”

Coun Carl Quartermain, Cabinet Member Transport at Redcar and Cleveland Council, said: “The strategic case for improving connectivity in East Cleveland is undeniable.

“Better transport links are essential if we are to connect our communities with jobs, education and other opportunities.

“While this report highlights significant challenges in bringing passenger services back to this route, it also reinforces why improving connectivity must remain a priority.

“If this proposal is not viable economically, we will continue working with our partners at Tees Valley Combined Authority to explore and deliver other solutions that provide East Cleveland with the transport connections it needs and deserves.”