The £40m project includes pre-construction services and construction of six stations and car parks including the associated infrastructure at locations between Ashington and Northumberland Park in Northumberland.
The council said it would also appoint a reserve contractor for the project.
Construction of stations would begin in summer 2022, subject to necessary approvals being secured.
As well as new stations, the full project will upgrade 18 miles of track, three new footbridges and new signal locations.
In January, the Treasury signed-off £34m towards the final £166m cost, with further funding to follow once design works are concluded.
This is being used fund land acquisition, complete detailed design and for Network Rail to commence early works prior to relevant planning approvals.
The whole scheme is projected to deliver economic benefits of up to £470m.
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