Station upgrades improve accessibility

A Teesside transport hub has undergone a multi-million-pound transformation to improve accessibility and make rail travel easier for passengers.

Eaglescliffe Station has officially reopened following a £14.5 million redevelopment featuring a new 56-metre bridge, three lifts and upgraded passenger amenities.

The improvements were officially opened by Baroness of Eaglescliffe and 11-time Paralympic gold medallist 11-time Tanni Grey-Thompson and Tees Valley mayor Ben Houchen.

The project aims to make the station more accessible, particularly for disabled passengers, people with pushchairs and those carrying heavy luggage, who previously faced lengthy and challenging routes when changing platforms.

Alongside the new bridge and lifts, passengers will benefit from a new ticket office, waiting room, upgraded Grand Central lounge and a new taxi building.

A 100-space car park, delivered by Stockton-on-Tees Borough Council, has also been completed to improve access and encourage more sustainable travel.

Work to improve the older footbridge will take place over the summer.

Mayor Houchen said: "This project delivers massive improvements for passengers at Eaglescliffe and an outstanding example of what we can achieve through strong local leadership and by working together with our partners.

"These improvements remove barriers that should never have existed, making the station more accessible, safer and easier to use for everyone. 

“They also strengthen connections to jobs and businesses, particularly at Durham Lane, while supporting vital rail services to London.

"We’re determined to keep investing in our transport network so that our stations are modern, accessible and fit for the future, giving local people and businesses the infrastructure they deserve.”

Baroness Grey-Thompson added: “Proper access is absolutely vital if we want a transport network that works for everyone.

“For too long, stations like Eaglescliffe have been difficult to navigate. 

“These improvements make a real difference, helping people travel with confidence, independence and dignity.

“It’s a good example of what can be achieved when accessibility is treated as a priority – and I hope to see the improvements rolled out more widely at all stations.”

The £14.5 million scheme was funded through £9.2 million from Tees Valley Combined Authority (TVCA), £3.25 million from Network Rail and £2 million from the Department for Transport. 

Principal contractor BAM delivered the project on behalf of Network Rail and the Combined Authority, with support from train operators Northern and Grand Central.

The upgrade forms part of a wider programme to modernise all 26 railway stations across Tees Valley, following significant investment at Darlington, Billingham, Middlesbrough and Hartlepool.

Jason Hamilton, Network Rail North and East route director, added: “Improving accessibility and access to rail travel is a key priority for us and we’re proud to have supported the work at Eaglescliffe.

“It’s a brilliant example of partnership working, something that will be increasingly important as we work towards Great British Railways, and we’ll continue working closely with TVCA and the mayor to support their ambitions and the needs of local communities in Teesside to create better connectivity and opportunities in the Tees Valley.”

Chris Brandon, director of Grand Central Rail, added: “We’re proud to play a key role at Eaglescliffe, not only as the principal operator providing direct services to and from London, but also through our dedicated staff presence at the station and in the ticket office.

“These improvements mark a major step forward. 

“By removing barriers and enhancing facilities, this investment will enable more people to travel with confidence and keep communities across the Tees Valley better connected to the opportunities that rail brings."

Councillor Steve Harker, TVCA cabinet member for transport and infrastructure, added: “This is a major step forward for Eaglescliffe and our wider rail network. 

“Most importantly, the upgrades make the station accessible, in addition to being more welcoming and much better suited to the needs of modern passengers.

“By improving connections and easing access across different modes of transport, we are helping more people choose rail while supporting growth across the Tees Valley.”

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