Major improvement work is continuing at Darlington station, with Network Rail advising that changes will be made to walking routes.
The programme of upgrades will see the creation of two new platforms, a car park and a footbridge. As part of this ongoing project, changes are also planned to the layout of the existing station.
Starting next week, engineers will begin to erect hoardings along Platform 1, with current seating moved to accessible parts of the platform.
From Wednesday 6 March, the thoroughfare between Platforms 1 and 4 will be closed off while work continues. Access to Platform 1 will be clearly signposted around the south end of the station buildings by Platforms 2 and 3.
At the end of March, a new temporary ticket retail facility will be provided for passengers to purchase tickets, located opposite the existing travel centre while development takes place. These changes will continue until the work is complete in autumn 2025.
Network Rail is working with the Tees Valley Combined Authority, Darlington Borough Council and LNER to provide two new platforms on the Eastern side of the station and a new, fully accessible, and enclosed footbridge linking them to the current station building.
New cycle lanes will also be introduced, with bicycle shelters and a multi-storey car park which will attach onto the new station building. The car park will include secure parking for over 600 cars, including accessible parking bays and electric car charging points.
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.”
Learn more about the improvements at Darlington here.
