The final sections of the new footbridge at Darlington railway station have been successfully installed by Network Rail contractor BAM, connecting the historic Victorian station with the new eastern entrance and platforms as part of the ongoing £140m redevelopment project.
The footbridge links the existing station with the new platforms 5 and 6 and eastern concourse building, with all four structural steel sections now in place. The final components were recently installed following the first two major sections that were fitted in February.
When complete, this new connection will improve passenger experience at the station, providing better access between platforms and to the new facilities being built.
The installation of platforms 5 and 6 will allow Network Rail teams to better manage the flow of trains, improving performance and enabling capacity for more services in the future.
The joint project between Network Rail, LNER, Tees Valley Combined Authority, Darlington Borough Council and majority funder the Department for Transport, has seen a new concourse building and entrance hall created – with new access also provided from Neasham Road.
The vision is also seeing work to improve access to onward journeys with a revamped western gateway to the station.
Hoardings have been erected around properties requiring demolition at the Victoria Road-side of the station, to facilitate the public realm work which will improve connectivity to and from the town centre.
The next significant stage of the project will focus on the new station entrance, featuring a transport interchange, multi-storey car park, and modern facilities for passengers.
The project remains on target for completion in December 2025 – a fitting conclusion to this year's Railway 200 celebrations marking the 200th anniversary of the first passenger journey.
Luke Durston, principal programme sponsor for Network Rail, said: "The installation of the final sections of the footbridge marks another important step forward in this crucial project. While there is still work to be done to make the bridge fully operational, this progress keeps us firmly on track for our December completion. We're grateful to all station users for their continued patience.”
Tees Valley Mayor Ben Houchen said: “It’s great to see the final piece of the concourse fitting into place. We handed over the gateway building on time and on budget – and it’s pleasing to see Network Rail are making good progress to get this whole vital project over the line and ready for the people of Darlington this year.
“It’s a huge year for our railway heritage – and this project will not only provide the modern station Darlington deserves, but it will also open up huge opportunities for connectivity, trade and freight to and from Teesside and Hartlepool further down the line.”
Carl Howarth, head of property at LNER, said: “The progress being made at Darlington to regenerate the station is incredibly exciting and we’re looking forward to welcoming customers to experience their new and improved transport hub when it is finished later in the year.
“Both LNER and Darlington station are at the heart of railway history and, when completed, this project will mark another special chapter in the 200 years of the railway.”
Image credit: TVCA
