20.12.07
Take off for East Midlands parkway
Passengers across the East Midlands will soon have more choice in how they travel after Network Rail kicked off the construction of the new East Midlands Parkway station this week. The £25m project, primarily funded by Network Rail with a contribution of almost £1m from East Midlands Development Agency (emda), will see a brand new station constructed near junction 24 of the M1 at Ratcliffe-on-Soar.
Dyan Crowther, Network Rail Route Director said: "The investment into East Midlands Parkway signifies our commitment to improving the rail network. Parkway will be a world class station which will provide real choices for passengers and tempt motorists from the nearby M1 to try a greener form of travel. As well as connections to London and all of the major regional centres the station will provide easy access to the nearby East Midlands Airport."
East Midlands Parkway will open in December 2008 and will be situated just off the A453 at Ratcliffe-on-Soar, 1 mile from the M1. It will include four platforms, step free access, a station building with ticket office and other facilities, staffed and managed by East Midlands Trains as well as 850 car parking spaces.
East Midlands Trains Managing Director, Tim Shoveller added: "We’re really pleased that building of the station is now underway. When it opens next year, East Midlands Parkway will be an example of a high quality, accessible station and we’re eager to play our part in delivering a first class station and service for our passengers. Our timetable will provide the station with fast, easy links to London, and other destinations on the East Midlands Trains network. We’re hoping that more people will be persuaded to leave the car behind and take the train."
Anthony Payne, emda’s Land and Development Director, commented: "The Regional Economic Strategy emphasises good transport connectivity as the basis of a successful economy and flourishing region. That’s why emda has invested in East Midlands Parkway and we’re pleased to hear that construction of the station is now underway and is on track for completion by the end of next year."
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