New Route Launched From Eaglescliffe as Access Project Progress Steams Ahead

A new hourly service for Eaglescliffe Railway Station is to launch on Sunday (15 December) as progress to overhaul access at the site continues apace.

The station will see the TransPennine Express service between Manchester Airport and Redcar stop in both directions for the first time.

It comes as efforts to install a new pedestrian footbridge to boost accessibility to the west of the station, and to Durham Lane Industrial Estate, continue as part of a wider revamp.

The £16.3million rail project has seen £8.8million come from the Combined Authority with £7.5million from Network Rail.

Three lifts will be installed connecting the existing and new car park and Eaglescliffe’s island platform with the current footbridge to provide easier access for passengers.

The station taxi office is being rebuilt with a new brick waiting shelter with ticket counter also created on the platform.

Tees Valley Mayor Ben Houchen said: “This new service to Eaglescliffe is another boost to our region’s transport network and builds on the good progress we’re making on improving stations across Teesside, Darlington and Hartlepool.

“Eaglescliffe can now add Manchester to its London link but it’s vitally important we sort out access once and for all.

“Getting to the far side of the station has been far too difficult for many people – and we’re making sure using it becomes quicker and easier for everyone.

“We’ve shown with work at Hartlepool, Billingham and Darlington that we’re getting railway stations sorted and I’m looking forward to seeing Eaglescliffe added to that list before the end of next year.”

Chris Jackson, Managing Director at TransPennine Express, added: “We’re so pleased to be able to introduce these new services at Eaglescliffe which will make a real difference to the area.

“We have seen great achievements across TPE in the past 12 months, in particular, with cancellations reduced by 70% and, thanks to our customers old and new having confidence to travel with us, we have become the second fastest growing train company in the UK.

“TPE is bringing back and adding new services and additional seats across our network as we change our timetable this Sunday and we urge customers to check before they travel in case there are changes to their regular journeys.”

The existing footbridge is also being renewed and retained to ensure access to the station is retained during the overhaul. It will also provide a second emergency exit.

Anna Weeks, principal programme sponsor for Network Rail’s North & East route, said: “The multi-million pound project at Eaglescliffe will vastly improve the customer experience, with accessibility being a primary focus of the enhancements.

“The work is an example of the great strides being delivered across the region, and the new hourly service will provide more connections and reasons to travel to and from Eaglescliffe by train.”

A new car park led by Stockton-on-Tees Borough Council is also set to be created near the station and this will come alongside work to offer better cycle access to Eaglescliffe.

These are being funded by the Government’s City Region Sustainable Transport Settlement and the Levelling Up Fund allocation for Stockton South respectively, which were both secured by the Local Authority.

Cllr Bob Cook, Leader of Stockton-on-Tees Borough Council and Combined Authority Cabinet Member, added: “Eaglescliffe Station is a key transport link for the Tees Valley because it connects with major stations up and down the country.

“The improved transport links and accessibility is great for the area as it will play a key role in helping attract more businesses to Eaglescliffe, which is already home to lots of great firms and businesses like Tata Consumer Products, Returnable Packaging Services and Nifco.

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

In a change to the timetable, TransPennine services between Manchester Airport and Saltburn will only operate to Redcar Central for most of the day.

However, a number of trains will continue to serve Saltburn in the morning, afternoon and evening.

These come following a request from Combined Authority to ensure the seaside town is still served by the operator.