21.07.14
Baroness Kramer opens new James Cook station
The new £2.2m Tees Valley rail station, which will provide a vital link in the area’s transport infrastructure, has officially been opened by minister of state for transport Baroness Kramer.
Up to 17 Northern Rail trains on the Esk Valley line will call at the new stop, which has been established following a successful Local Sustainable Transport Fund bid from the Department for Transport by TVU, the Local Enterprise Partnership for Tees Valley.
Baroness Kramer named the train she arrived on – Captain James Cook, Master Mariner – and unveiled an official opening plaque to mark the development of the James Cook station behind The James Cook University Hospital in Middlesbrough.
The James Cook station investment dovetails in with a £4.5m scheme to boost rail travel that will see 11 other stations - Allens West, Billingham, Gypsy Lane, Longbeck, Marske, Marton, Nunthorpe, Redcar Central, Redcar East, South Bank and Stockton - receive improvements to passenger facilities. The improvements include electronic timetabling, signage upgrades, shelters, improved lighting and seating and the installation of CCTV.
Baroness Kramer said: “I am very pleased that we have been able to contribute £2m towards the new station at The James Cook University Hospital, which will serving staff, patients and visitors as well as enhancing the wider transport network. Good transport connections act as an engine for economic growth, and link local people to vital services.”
The project was part of a range of rail infrastructure investments, totalling nearly £10m and managed by TVU during the last four years. David Robinson, TVU board member, said: “The development of this station is important for Tees Valley as it provides an alternative means of access to a large employment site and surrounding developments. It also is helping to ease congestion and parking issues and improve traffic flow along one of the area’s busiest transport corridors.
“This scheme, which is part of a wider package of investment and improvements to rail transport in Tees Valley, demonstrates how partners and stakeholders are working together for the benefit of the area’s residents and organisations.”
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