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Tuesday 28 Jan 2003

STATION IMPROVEMENTS RUNNING ON TIME

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Network Rail has invited Ann Coffey, MP for Stockport to see for herself how the £3.5 million modernisation scheme is progressing at Stockport station. The project is a funding partnership between Network Rail, Virgin Trains, and Greater Manchester Passenger Transport Executive and is on target to finish by the end of July 2003. Over the last six months Network Rail has:

• Cleared away the old station building
• Begun to lay the foundations for the new building, which are now well advanced
• Completed the new steelwork for the entrance building, waiting room and canopy
• Installation of the glazing will start shortly
• Completed foundations for a fifth platform, with work on the front wall of the platform progressing well. The new platform will come into use when a major resignalling scheme in the area is complete

  Once finished, rail passengers can expect a new two-tier concourse entrance on Station Road leading directly to a new platform above, refurbishment of the station underpass linking all the platforms and a more inviting entrance on the west side. - more - Stockport  - 2 Further improvements include: ·        Improved customer information system ·        Lifts as well as stairs, to serve the platform above ·        Enclosed waiting room with seating and automatic sliding doors to prevent obstruction to the platform ·        Refurbishment of the pedestrian subway linking the platforms ·        Tactile paving will be laid to make it easier for those who are blind or have problems with sight ·        Better short-stay parking             Ann Coffey, MP for Stockport said: “I am keen to see how the Stockport station refurbishment scheme is progressing. Like other regular users of the station, I am looking forward to the work being finished in the summer when visitors to the town will be treated to a much better first impression.”