HS2

Carlisle station’s £14.5m roof renewal work takes shape

New pictures released this week by Network Rail of improvements being made to Carlisle station’s roof have shown that passengers are benefiting from the new look.

The works, costing £14.5m, are part of the Great North Rail Project, a strand of the Railway Upgrade Plan, and are aiming to extend the life of the roof, which dates back to 1847, with safer and easier to maintain material which will bathe the platforms with daylight.

The metalwork on the roof is being given a total repaint, whilst the main lighting above the platforms is being renewed to enhance the look and feel of the station.

“Passengers are really beginning to see the transformation of Carlisle station as a result of this work,” said Chris Atkins, scheme project manager at Network Rail. “The rejuvenated roof will mean a brighter, more airy and cleaner environment which will enhance the station’s beautiful features.

“It is a significant investment into Carlisle which has not been without its challenges. The scaffolding needed to carry out the work is a feat of engineering in itself but being able to carry out the work without impacting passengers' journeys was always our aim.

“The result will be a better station which will be a fitting gateway to the historic city of Carlisle.”

The project is also being delivered with Virgin Trains, who manage the station, to minimise disruption for passengers.

“We’re proud to support this great project to restore the roof and would like to thank customers for their continued patience during the works,” said Michael Byrne, station manager at Carlisle.

“Once complete, it will transform this beautiful station, bringing it back to its former glory and enhance the experience for customers travelling to and from Carlisle.”

Work started is on track to be completed by February 2018, when the scaffolding will be removed.

Have you got a story to tell? Would you like to become an RTM columnist? If so, click here.