To kick-start an array of improvements for Northern passengers, a £3.59 million campaign to make Billingham station more accessible is now underway.
The project to improve accessibility at the station was announced last year, and diggers moved in earlier this week to allow for the work to begin in building a base for rail workers.
A new bridge will connect the station's platforms, and two lifts will be installed to provide step-free access by Spring 2023. This will be the biggest change to the station since its opening in 1966.
The new changes will allow for passengers with pushchairs, limited mobility, heavy luggage, or bikes to use the station with ease and benefit from the station's connections such as Hexham and Newcastle.
This upgrade is part of the Access for All initiative, which aims to improve rail stations and increase accessibility for those less abled.
Alongside the bridge and lifts, the car park will also be improved to make it easier for passengers. There are also future plans to upgrade the platforms to improve the look of the station.
Kieran Dunkin, Principal Programme Sponsor for Network Rail, said: “These major changes will completely transform the way that passengers use Billingham station and help us to provide a railway that truly is here for everybody. Young families, keen cyclists, holiday-goers and disabled travellers will all see a much more welcoming station, and I hope it encourages more people to travel by train.”
Alex Cunningham, MP for Stockton North, said: “For too long people in Billingham with mobility issues, bikes, and pushchairs, have been forced to travel further to get the train, so I'm delighted that spades are now in the ground at Billingham Station, and the station is set to have step-free access by Spring 2023.
“This has been a long, hard-won campaign by local councillors and residents – supported by my office – to ensure Billingham Station is fit for the twenty-first century and it's great to see this campaign has paid off.
“I know that people from Billingham and beyond will be pleased to see this work completed and open for use of everyone.”
Kerry Peters, Regional Director for Northern, said: “Our customers are at the heart of everything we do. These are significant improvements to Billingham station and they will make a real difference to the passenger experience. I look forward to seeing them in-use by our passengers early next year – something I know will be very much welcomed by all.”
Councillor Bob Cook, Leader of Stockton-on-Tees Borough Council, said: “We have thought for a number of years that it was unacceptable for Billingham Station to have no disabled access – and that's why we've pushed hard for this scheme to be brought to fruition.
“It's great to see the work underway so residents with reduced mobility and those with pushchairs and prams can access another avenue of public transport for work and leisure.”
Compared to the original station which was closed in 1966, this is extremely poor. There are no staff, no toilet facilities, and the waiting area is open to the elements.