This October will see the progression of Castleford rail station’s second platform reopening, after being closed for more than 20 years.
The new platform is being fully rebuilt, coming as part of the Transpennine Route Upgrade with the ambition to boost capacity and reliability for passengers. Once installed, the platform will be accessible through a footbridge with stairs and lifts that will link it to the recently upgraded station.
For decades now, passengers have been limited to the single platform to travel in both directions from the town, severely limiting availability, and capacity within the station. This vital infrastructural investment will drastically open up travel options through Castleford.
Engineers began the preparation works on Sunday 16th October, with the new footbridge set to be lifted into place over the coming two weekends in October. Track improvements and signalling upgrades are also scheduled to run concurrently with the installation, taking place over three days between Friday 28th to Sunday 30th October, during which time services will be diverted.
Phil Bates, Senior Sponsor on Transpennine Route Upgrade said:
“The opening of the second platform and the re-signalling of the route between Castleford and Milford and is a huge moment for the town of Castleford and the surrounding areas. Furthermore, the reopened platform will be fully accessible following the installation of a footbridge with lifts on both sides.
“It also means we’ll be able to keep passengers moving on trains by diverting them via Castleford while we deliver major Transpennine Route Upgrade improvements on the main line.”
A new crossover has already been installed at Cutsyke to the west of the station to allow trains to use either platform, together with a new signalling system in the area, enabling more trains to run.
Following final completion of work, the new platform and footbridge will open in 2023.
Rob Warnes, Strategic Development Director for Northern said:
“We are grateful to our customers for their patience whilst this work takes place. Once the new platform and lifts are commissioned, both sides of the upgraded Castleford station will be fully accessible for all, with more resilience built into the station allowing us to run a better service for our customers.”
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