Improved Eaglescliffe station officially opens with better access for all

Baroness Tanni Grey-Thompson and Tees Valley Mayor Ben Houchen officially opened the station improvements at a ceremony on Monday (29 June).

The scheme has seen a 56-metre-long bridge installed and opened, with three new lifts to help improve access.

A new car park with up to 100 spaces, delivered by Stockton-on-Tees Borough Council, has also been created to support wider travel options, while a new ticket office and waiting room also deliver improvements for passengers.

Previously, disabled passengers, those with pushchairs or heavy luggage faced long and indirect routes when changing platforms, particularly if the ramp on the older bridge proved too steep.

The £14.5million project, with £9.2million funded by the Combined Authority, £3.25million from Network Rail and £2million from the Department for Transport has sought to solve this while modernising the station with better facilities.

Tees Valley Mayor Ben 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 of Eaglescliffe and 11-time Paralympic gold medallist, Tanni Grey-Thompson is a regular user of direct services from the station to and from London. She said: 

“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 project was delivered by principal contractor BAM, working on behalf of Network Rail and TVCA, with the project supported by rail service operators Northern and Grand Central.

Network Rail North and East route director Jason Hamilton said: 

“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.”

Council-led work on the new car park on the west of the Station has been 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.

Before the new bridge was installed, access to the station from Durham Lane and land directly to the west required either a 25-minute walk, a connection from Allen’s West Station or a drive of up to ten minutes.

Cllr Lisa Evans, Leader of Stockton-on-Tees Borough Council, said: 

“The new improvements to Eaglescliffe Station will be a welcome addition to residents, commuters and businesses across the Tees Valley.

 

“We are proud to have led on the creation of a new car park and improved access arrangements on the west side of the station. This will make a real difference to people, while the wider station works helping to deliver safer and more convenient journeys.

 

“The improved transport links will also help attract more businesses to the area, providing transport links for employment sites like Teeslink.

 

“This shows how well partners can work together to deliver improvements that people will feel every day.”

Upgrades have also taken place on the platform with a new taxi building, upgraded ticket office and an improved Grand Central lounge.

Chris Brandon, Director, Grand Central Rail, said: 

“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.”

Matthew Workman, Northern’s Director of Service Delivery in the North East, said: 

“We’re delighted this important project has been completed at Eaglescliffe station.

 

“Providing step-free access makes a real difference as it gives more passengers the confidence to travel by train.

 

“We will continue to work with Network Rail and other partners to improve accessibility across our network and always welcome feedback.”

The upgrade forms part of a wider programme to improve all 26 railway stations across the Tees Valley, and follows major investments in stations including Darlington, Billingham, Middlesbrough and Hartlepool.

Cllr Steve Harker, TVCA Cabinet Member for Transport and Infrastructure, said: 

“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.”

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