Two new platforms, a car park and a footbridge are being created at Darlington station, and Network Rail is advising passengers of changes at the station whilst work continues.
Some changes to the current layout of the station will mean that some walking routes at the station will change.
Hoardings are set to be erected on Platform 1 with seating being moved from next week to accessible parts of the platform.
The thoroughfare between Platform 1 and 4 will be closed from the 6th March whilst work takes place, with access to Platform 1 being from the south end of the station buildings by Platforms 2 and 3.
At the end of March, a new temporary facility for purchasing tickets will open opposite the travel centre whilst development takes place, with these changes continuing until the work is completed in Autumn 2025.
Luke Durston, Principal Programme Sponsor for Network Rail's East Coast route, said: “The multi-million-pound upgrade of Darlington station will bring a whole host of benefits to passengers, all vastly improving their experience as they travel by train.
“These walking route changes are vital for the next stage of the project to progress and we want to thank passengers for their patience and understanding while we carry out this work.
“In the meantime, we would encourage all passengers to give themselves extra time when travelling from Darlington. Changes will be clearly signposted, and staff will also be on hand to point passengers in the right direction.”
Steve Wilson, Head of Stations at LNER, said: “It's great to see the improvement works at Darlington Station gaining momentum and we're delighted to be working in partnership with colleagues at Network Rail, Tees Valley Combined Authority and Darlington Borough Council to deliver this key scheme.
“This project will tie the station more closely to the town and upgrade the station's services and accessibility for everyone who uses it.”
Steve Harker, leader of Darlington Council, said: “It is great to see work progressing on the station development. This work will further enhance Darlington's position as a centre for economic growth and development by providing a modern facility for train passengers. It is especially fitting that as we prepare to celebrate the bicentenary of the Stockton and Darlington Railway, we are improving our station to make it fit for the railways of the future.”
The new platforms take local east bound trains to the side preventing the need for them to cross the main North – South lines. This will allow an increase of speed on the North – South route to the advantage of customers.
Total waste of money. There is zero need for extra platforms at Darlington.
Incidentally, if plans for the ECLM timetables go ahead in December 2024 there will be a significant reduction in long distance trains calling at Darlington.
I don’t suppose network rail care about such things as they have a license to print and waste money and create work for themselves.
Blame Lord Houchen, it’s just one of many ill thought out schemes by him. Probably another that will be delivered late and well over budget.