Rail industry comes together to ensure fewer delays and more seats for passengers thanks to £60m platform extension work

More than 120 platforms have been extended across the Northern network, with the completed work measuring more than the length of the Humber Bridge.  

Northern, TransPennine Express and Network Rail teamed up to complete the £60 million Platform Extension Scheme as part of the Great North Rail Project and operator’s transformation programmes.  

The platform improvements, carried out at 73 stations, were necessary thanks to the introduction of Northern and TransPennine Express’ new state-of the art trains. 

Tricia Williams, Chief Operating Officer at Northern, said: “Extending the platforms allows us to run longer trains and that, in turn, gives our customers more space on-board. The additional platform space also means there are more places for customers to get on and off our trains which speeds up the boarding process and can reduce delays and improve performance. 

“I would like to thank colleagues at Network Rail for their tireless work over the past couple of years at 69 of our stations. This huge project will enable us to deliver better and longer rail services that will make a positive impact for the North.” 

Matt Rice, Network Rail’s North and East Route Director, said: “This project to extend platforms across the north of England means longer trains with more seats can call at stations, transforming journeys for passengers connecting to towns and cities across the region.  

“The railway industry team effort also means there is more space for passengers making essential journeys, as well as room to help meet future demand on busy routes.” 

Chris Nutton, Major Projects Director for TransPennine Express commented: “We are proud to have worked as ‘One Railway’ with Northern and Network Rail to deliver the infrastructure efficiently and enable more communities to benefit as we recycle savings into more projects. 

“As we welcome customers back to the network in 2021, they will see the full benefit of the new, longer trains and longer platforms at stations across the North.”