New 92-Tonne Bridge Lifted Into Place At Eaglescliffe Station

A huge 92-tonne bridge has been lifted into place in a three-hour operation as work on improvements to Eaglescliffe railway station continues.

The steel structure was installed with the help of 15 staff from contractor BAM over the weekend (22, 23 March).

The 56-metre-long bridge will feature three lifts when complete to connect the existing car park – and a newly created car park – to Eaglescliffe’s island platform.

The £14.5million rail project has seen £9.2million funded from the Combined Authority, £3.25million from Network Rail and £2million from the Department for Transport to solve Eaglescliffe’s long-standing access issues and transform the station for passengers.

The existing footbridge is being retained to ensure access to the station is maintained during the overhaul – while also providing a second emergency exit.

Tees Valley Mayor Ben Houchen said: “This lift marks a big milestone on getting this project completed and ready. Eaglescliffe offers a crucial link to major stations south of us and its access has been below par for far too long.

“It’s great to see steel going in the ground and the project now taking shape – and it’s also pleasing to have our friends at Stockton Council getting on with their side of the job and getting the new car park sorted.

“Ultimately, this project and the work going on around the station will make things better and simpler for people working at fantastic firms on Durham Lane Industrial Estate – and for everyone who wants to use Eaglescliffe for travel.

“We’ve pumped the money in to get this done to ensure people across Teesside, Darlington and Hartlepool have the railway they deserve.”

A new car park led by Stockton-on-Tees Borough Council is also being created to the west of the station, alongside works to provide better cycle and pedestrian access to Eaglescliffe.

This work is being funded by the government’s City Region Sustainable Transport Settlement, the Levelling Up Fund allocation for Stockton South and the Indigenous Growth Fund, secured by the local authority.

Cllr Bob Cook, Leader of Stockton-on-Tees Borough Council and Combined Authority Cabinet Member, added: “Eaglescliffe Station is an important transport link for the borough and the wider Tees Valley because of its connection with major stations up and down the country.

“The new car park is located on part of the Durham Lane site purchased by the Council, and new cycleways will complement the wider improvements being made.

“Working together, this will provide improvements which should be another draw to businesses looking to invest in Durham Lane Industrial Estate – and serve some of the vital international businesses we have on the site.”

Anna Weeks, Principal Programme Sponsor for Network Rail’s North and East route, said: “This achievement marks an important milestone in improving accessibility at Eaglescliffe station. The bridge installation demonstrates our commitment to working collaboratively with partners to deliver better passenger facilities.

“We’re proud to invest significantly in this vital project that will transform the travel experience, creating a more inclusive railway network for everyone in the Tees Valley region.”