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Wednesday 13 Sep 2006

GOOD NEWS FOR PASSENGERS - REVAMPED EAST DIDSBURY STATION OPEN ON TIME

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Passengers at East Didsbury station are enjoying the benefits of brighter lights, state of the art platforms and a safer station environment thanks to £12 million investment in the Manchester Styal line by Network Rail.  The revamped station opened on time this week after seven weeks of intensive work during which the old concrete platforms were demolished and replaced with steel platforms.  New lighting has been installed to ensure the station is well-lit. Jo Kaye, Network Rail’s area general manager, commented: “This considerable investment in East Didsbury station will provide thousands of passengers with a better station environment.  This is just the start of the work to transform four stations along this busy Manchester line. "It is a tribute to the hard work and dedication of all parties involved that the first phase of work was completed on time and on budget with the station completely transformed by  November.” The steel decks are covered in a non-slip material made from glass-reinforced plastic and have tactile strips to help blind and visually impaired people be aware of the platform edge. The platforms have a life expectancy of 60 years and are long enough to accommodate a three coach train. They have been deliberately designed using a modular system which means they can have sections added should train operators want to use longer trains in the future. Work at the station is continuing, with a new waiting shelter being built for passengers using the southbound platform travelling towards Wilmslow and Crewe. On the northbound side of the station, the old concrete access ramp is being replaced. While this is taking place temporary steps will give access to the platform from Wilmslow Road but these are set to become a permanent feature of the rebuilt station. Mauldeth Road station is also being rebuilt and work starts on Gatley in December and Burnage in January.