Images: Durham station’s brand-new tracks offer reliability boost for passengers

Credit: LNER

Engineers have replaced around 860 metres of track and ten points in and around Durham station. Vital upgrades to the signalling equipment (the traffic lights of the railway) have also been completed and platforms have been improved. The tracks in and around Durham station haven’t had any major work for around 40 years, so the refresh will help to drive down delays and offer passengers smoother, on time journeys.

Credit: LNER

“Upgrading this equipment is essential for running trains reliably, reducing delays and getting passengers to where they need to be on time, so I’m pleased to see this valuable investment complete,” Paul Rutter, East Coast Route Director for Network Rail, said. “People travelling by train to, from or through Durham can now expect smoother, on time journeys.”

Completing all of this work over five weekends has meant that the railway could remain open throughout the week to help commuters get to work as normal, as well as reducing the amount of work needed in the next few years.

Credit: LNER

“This important upgrade work will make journeys even smoother and more reliable for our customers and the many passengers who travel along the LNER route through Durham,” David Horne, Managing Director at LNER, said. “It is a great example of the rail industry working together to improve journey experiences for our customers.”

“All investment in rail infrastructure that improves service reliability is very much welcomed,” Kerry Peters, Regional Director at Northern, said. “It’s great to see the work at Durham now complete and I’d like to thank customers for their patience while the work has been carried out.”

“We’re thrilled to see these vital upgrades complete,” Chris Nutton, Major Projects Director for TransPennine Express, said. “The modernisation of these tracks and signalling equipment will provide more reliable and smoother journeys for our customers.”

Credit: LNER