Final footbridge link installed in Darlington station redevelopment

The final sections of a new footbridge at Darlington railway station have been successfully installed.

The bridge connects the existing Victorian station with the new eastern entrance and platforms. As part of the £140m project two new platforms are being created, which will allow Network Rail teams to better manage the flow of trains, improving performance and enabling capacity for more services in the future.

All four structural steel sections of the bridge are now in place.

The redevelopment is a joint project between Network Rail, LNER, Tees Valley Combined Authority, Darlington Borough Council and majority funder the Department for Transport. A new concourse building and entrance hall have been created on Neasham Road with a new multi-story car park on land formerly used as a car park and garage, chip shop, club and pub.

Network Rail contractor BAM has installed the footbridge. In February the 50-tonne bridge was fixed in place when it was slid into a hole created in the station roof.

Luke Durston, principal programme sponsor for Network Rail, said: “The installation of the final sections of the footbridge marks another important step forward in this crucial project. While there is still work to be done to make the bridge fully operational, this progress keeps us firmly on track for our December completion. We’re grateful to all station users for their continued patience.”

The next portion of the project will focus on the new station entrance and transport interchange. Hoardings have been erected around properties requiring demolition at the Victoria Road-side of the station, with former Hogan’s pub already demolished.

The works are set to be completed in December 2025.

Carl Howarth, head of property at LNER, said: “The progress being made at Darlington to regenerate the station is incredibly exciting and we’re looking forward to welcoming customers to experience their new and improved transport hub when it is finished later in the year.

“Both LNER and Darlington station are at the heart of railway history and, when completed, this project will mark another special chapter in the 200 years of the railway.”

Photo credit: TVCA