The Office of Rail and Road (ORR), the rail regulator, has authorised several improvements to allow a new platform to be opened at Salford Crescent station later this year.

The new Platform 3 will be 157 metres long with a canopy and seating.

The station’s existing footbridge will be extended to accommodate the new Platform 3, and a new lift and stairs to the platform will be installed.

A new gate line will also be installed next to the existing station building.

The regulator’s authorisation is necessary before the new platform can be opened to the public, and confirms that in areas such as health and safety, accessibility, environmental protection, reliability, and availability, the necessary standards have been met.

Throughout the authorisation process, the Office of Rail and Road worked closely with Network Rail and the wider project team to make sure ensuring that the necessary checks and surveys were carried out. 

This also included checking lighting, signage, and station information, including customer information systems and public address systems.

Last October, the Office of Rail and Road (ORR) was instrumental in authorising the new Beaulieu Park railway station at Chelmsford in Essex.

“This is an important step in getting the busy Salford Crescent station ready to open its new platform to help improve how passengers move through the station. “We’re pleased to have played our part in getting the improvements ready to be put into use. Our team worked closely with Network Rail to support them through the authorisation process, just as we do for new trains and infrastructure across the country.”

Steve Fletcher, Deputy Director, Engineering and Asset Management, Office of Rail and Road