Update on station revamp
A £140million revamp of the station has hit another milestone with the completion of a bridge concourse link to its new entrance hall.
The final piece of the bridge between the Bank Top station and the new eastern gateway entrance off Neasham Road was completed late last week.
Network Rail is now leading on the bulk of the work for the huge project – including two new platforms for Darlington to free up capacity on the East Coast Main Line and the Tees Valley line to boost services and ease freight movements.
The project remains on target to be completed this year.
The entrance hall shell was handed over to Network Rail last year. When complete, it will feature shops and a 650-space car park.
Meanwhile, hoardings have been erected around properties requiring demolition at the Victoria Road-side of the station. This will allow public realm work to take place which will improve connectivity to and from the town centre.
A new entrance from Neasham Road, including short stay drop off point, are also taking shape.
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.”
The 50-tonne enclosed, step-free pedestrian bridge was lifted into place earlier this year to link the existing grade II-listed station with new platforms 5 and 6 and the eastern concourse building. This will feature new shops and ticket barriers.
Cllr Steve Harker, Leader of Darlington Borough Council and Cabinet Member for Transport and Infrastructure, said: “I'm really pleased to see the project making progress as celebrations for the Stockton and Darlington Railway Bicentenary continue through this summer.
“These improvements will make a big difference to Darlington, and they will ensure we have a modern station fit to serve us for decades to come – improving rail links both within the Tees Valley across the wider national rail network.”
A hole was created in the station’s roof to allow the bridge to slide into place. This was done using a 750-tonne crane which was purpose built at the site.
Network Rail teams and partners are delivering £98million of Department for Transport-funded rail enhancements as part of the scheme. The upgrades include the new platforms, footbridge and eastern concourse building, as well as upgraded track, points and signalling system.
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.”
The progress comes as confirmation came this week of another £978million to improve transport through projects and programmes across the region from 2027/28.