Plans approved for £1m investment in accessible North East station

Plans have been approved for a £1m investment to “significantly” improve disability access at a North East railway station.

Tees Valley Mayor Ben Houchen has signed off on the investment as part of a £3.59m project to improve Billingham railway station.

The scheme will see a new pedestrian footbridge installed which will be served by lifts, making it step-free and suitable for wheelchair users.

The project will be delivered by Network Rail, with work set to be completed by November 2022.

Mayor Houchen commented: “I’m delighted we can move these plans a step closer to reality to make it easier for local people, especially those with mobility issues that find it difficult or impossible to use stairs.

“The station is a vital lifeline for many people in the surrounding area, connecting them with Middlesbrough, Hartlepool and the wider North East but for too long has been inaccessible to many.

“This funding will allow us to install new lifts and improve access points to make sure no one is being left behind and make the station a real option for people like wheelchair users.

“This is just the latest in a long list of station improvements right across Teesside, Darlington and Hartlepool that we’re helping to drive forward.

“These include a £22.5m investment in Middlesbrough station to get it ready for London services in just a few short months, to the complete transformation of Darlington station to give everyone here the fast, reliable and accessible transport links they deserve.”

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