First TransPennine Express, a British train operating company, has reported that its modernisation project for Stalybridge station is expected to be completed by November 2012.
The £20m modernisation project includes the addition of platforms; a new coffee shop; the redesigning of tracks around the station and at junctions; and an upgrade of all signals.
Jo Kaye, the route managing director for Network Rail, said, ‘The old design dates back nearly 100 years and simply does not meet the needs of a modern railway.
The extra platforms and new design will make it much easier to operate trains and improve reliability now, and prepares the route for electrification, which is coming in 2016.
As far as passengers are concerned, that means better train services now and faster and more frequent services in the future.’
The new platforms and the signalling system will be operational in November 2012; although the company will be cancelling all train services from Stalybridge station from October 27, 2012, until November 5, 2012. Both First TransPennine Express and Northern Rail will operate the tracks around the station.
Rob Warnes, the planning and performance director for Northern Rail, said, ‘The modernisation of Stalybridge is the culmination of a lengthy planning process to deliver a faster, more functional and much improved railway. We understand our customers will be inconvenienced while the line is closed and would like to apologise to those who will experience disruption.
We have worked closely with the local community, stakeholders, Passenger Transport Executives and our colleagues at Network Rail and First TransPennine Express to run the best possible replacement services during the upgrade.
Long term, we are confident the new look Stalybridge station will benefit all rail passengers and ensure the future of rail throughout the region.’
