New Darlington Station Footbridge Section Hoisted Over Main Line

They are updating Darlington Station. The goal is to make it a Tees Valley gateway. The new concourse was done last November. Then, workers added an elevated walkway; it connects to the existing station building. Neil Sturgeon took cool aerial pictures showing a crane lifting steel into place over the East Coast Main Line.

The bridge connects the new area to the old station, a Grade-II listed building. The crane lifted the walkway carefully between the station’s roof and support. The rest of the bridge went in on Sunday. The complete project adds two platforms, a 650-space car park, and improvements to the Western entrance.

The new concourse should open in late 2025, and Network Rail will add shops and amenities. The design blends old and new, mixing historic grandeur with fresh facilities. Willmott Dixon is doing the construction work, during which train services face delays. This is because bridge work is ongoing for six weekends until March 16.

TransPennine will use buses instead of trains, affecting routes between York and Newcastle. CrossCountry trains also use buses there now. LNER will reduce service to one train each hour, using an alternate route between London and Newcastle. All other trains between York and Newcastle use buses.

Buses replace trains between Eaglescliffe and Darlington, and also between Eaglescliffe and Bishop Auckland. Some other services are disrupted. Passengers should check travel plans carefully. Network Rail is also doing track work, installing safety systems, and upgrading infrastructure during the closure to improve the rail network.