£15m boost for North East rail travel with government investment

Train stations across the region are set to benefit from new multi-million pound government funding.

Transport Secretary and Northern Powerhouse Minister Grant Shapps has announced today that three rail stations in the North East will benefit from £15m of investment.

£8.7m is set to be invested in the modernisation of Darlington station. These include 2 new platforms for local services, one new platform for southbound long-distance services and improvements to the station’s accessibility.

A further £2.45 million has also been agreed to develop proposals at Middlesbrough station that would see platform 2 extended to accommodate longer trains with more seats, as well as the construction of a new platform.

The news comes as Horden Station in County Durham has reopened after undergoing redevelopment with £4.4m support from the Department for Transport’s New Stations Fund.

Transport Secretary Grant Shapps commented: Our ambitious plans to restore and revitalise the railways of the North East sits at the heart of our commitment to level up infrastructure across the country, build a railway that works for everyone and kickstart our economy as we begin the recovery from COVID-19.

“I’ve seen first hand how the new Horden Station will improve connectivity for thousands of people, easing congestion in Durham and enabling quick, convenient travel between Newcastle and Middlesbrough.

“By backing proposals to improve both Darlington and Middlesbrough stations, we will work to invigorate rail connections and deliver more modern, reliable services for passengers and businesses now and in the future.”

Tees Valley Mayor Ben Houchen added: I am delighted that the government has once again thrown its weight behind my plans to upgrade both Darlington and Middlesbrough Station, a move which will help thousands of rail travellers in my region with more frequent and reliable services, and ensure we are better connected to London and the rest of the UK.

“Improved rail connectivity will help us attract even more big businesses and high levels of investment to the Tees Valley, which is central to my plan to create good quality, local jobs for people in Teesside, Darlington and Hartlepool.”