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Monday 24 Feb 2025

Bridge successfully installed at Darlington station as part of £140m transformation

Region & Route:

Eastern

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A 50-tonne footbridge has been installed by Network Rail at Darlington station – marking a major milestone in the £140m transport hub transformation.

The enclosed, step-free pedestrian bridge links the existing grade II-listed station with the new platforms 5 and 6 and eastern concourse building.

The bridge was fixed into place over the weekend after arriving on Friday 21 February in two parts – one weighing 32 tonnes and measuring 31 metres in length, the other 18 tonnes and 16 metres.

A hole had to be created in the Victorian station’s roof to allow the bridge to slide into place – using a 750-tonne crane which was purpose built at the site by a smaller crane.

Network Rail teams and partners are delivering £98m of Department for Transport-funded rail enhancements as part of the wider £140m scheme. The upgrades include the new platforms, footbridge and eastern concourse building, as well as upgraded track, points and signalling system.

The bridge’s installation is a significant milestone in the project to deliver a modern transport hub, ready to serve passengers for decades to come while also celebrating Darlington’s proud heritage as the birthplace of the railways.

The project’s target completion date is December 2025 – a fitting close to this year’s Railway 200 celebrations marking the 200^th anniversary of the first passenger journey.

Luke Durston, Network Rail principal programme sponsor, said: “We’re at a crucial and exciting stage in this transformational project, and the successful installation of this footbridge is a significant milestone.

“The site as a whole is really taking shape now, and the bridge provides a prominent visual marker of the progress being made.

“We’re grateful to passengers and other station users for their understanding during the disruption caused while this work is undertaken.”

Matthew Murr, operations director, BAM UK and Ireland, said: “A huge amount of work has gone into reaching this prominent milestone, and it truly stands as a testament to the hard work, dedication, and unwavering commitment of every single member of the team.

“This success has been made possible through a shared vision and collaboration with our partners from the early development stages, through the planning phases, and into the execution of the work itself. BAM is now looking forward to the next stages of work and continuing a transformation that celebrates Darlington’s railway heritage.”

Tees Valley Mayor Ben Houchen added: “It’s great to see Network Rail’s side of this vital project is taking shape. Darlington deserves a station fit for the modern day as a gateway to our brilliant region – and this new bridge going in is a significant moment for the overhaul.

“The extra platforms will open the door to better services across Teesside, Darlington and Hartlepool and strengthen our efforts to get more freight on our railways to boost our vital industries.

“I’m proud our work was handed over to Network Rail on time and on budget – and I’m pleased the project is on target to be complete before the end of this important year.”

Steve Wilson, head of stations at LNER, said: “As station operator at Darlington, it’s great to see such progress being made around us in transforming this historic station to serve the needs of customers in the 21^st century.

“At LNER, we’re proud to be playing a crucial part in celebrating the bicentenary of the railway, having already unveiled our special ‘Darlington’ train that continues to travel up and down the country. The completion of the Darlington station project will be a fitting culmination to a wonderful time of Railway 200 celebrations.”

The footbridge was installed on 22-23 February – the third of six consecutive weekends of engineering work bringing important progress in the Darlington station project. Passengers are urged to check all parts of their journeys with National Rail Enquiries or their train operators before setting off.