Network Rail, Tees Valley Combined Authority, and Stockton-on-Tees Borough Council have started work to transform Eaglescliffe railway station and make it more accessible for passengers for years to come.
A multi-million-pound project will see accessibility at the station vastly improved with the installation of a new footbridge, with lifts added for the first time. Contractors BAM, working on behalf of Network Rail and the Tees Valley Combined Authority, have started on site.
Once open, the new bridge will allow passengers to enter the station from its west side with a multi-storey car park, a project led by Stockton-on-Tees Borough Council, also to be created – with improved access to Yarm and traffic signals on the Cleasby Way junction.
The improvements will also see the existing footbridge and ramps refurbished, with a new bridge deck installed.
Improved station facilities, such as new waiting areas and taxi office, are also being added as part of the project.
The scheme is designed to improve the experience of passengers and make it easier to use as they travel by train.
The car park and wider cycle improvements linking to and from the station are being funded by the Government’s City Region Sustainable Transport Settlement and the Levelling Up Fund allocation for Stockton South respectively, secured by Stockton-on-Tees Borough Council.
The new bridge is expected to be in place by winter 2024, with the lifts installed and available for passengers to use by autumn 2025.
The station’s existing footbridge will remain open throughout the work but will close for refurbishment when the new bridge and lifts are open for use.
Anna Weeks, Principal Programme Sponsor for Network Rail’s North & East route, said: ‘This is a major milestone in the improvements we are going to deliver for the people of Eaglescliffe as they use their station. We want to make sure that every passenger can travel freely and easily by train and these upgrades will allow passengers to be able to do that. It’s great that we can work together with our partners at the Tees Valley Combined Authority and Stockton-on-Tees Borough Council on this project to deliver a better passenger experience for people in the region.’
Tees Valley Mayor Ben Houchen added: ‘Eaglescliffe is a very important station on our network for connecting people locally but also offering a London link. It has been far too difficult to use far too long – and the lengths many people have to go to in getting to the far side platform has been unacceptable. This investment will make things, better, simpler and more straight forward – and will offer a big draw for firms looking to set up at Durham Lane Industrial Estate. We’re putting our money where our mouth is when it comes to our railway stations – and for good reason. Local people will have the rail network they deserve.’
Councillor Bob Cook, Leader of Stockton-on-Tees Borough Council and Combined Authority Cabinet Member, said: ‘Eaglescliffe is an important stop on the Tees Valley line and connects with major stations around the country. The planned improved transport links will be welcomed by rail travellers and residents across the Tees Valley and I am looking forward to seeing how the upgrading work develops over the coming months.’
