Passengers waiting for a train on platform 4 at Blackburn station this winter will be better sheltered from the cold following the completion of Network Rail’s £1.7m improvements.
As the platform opened (on Monday 24 October), Network Rail route director Jo Kaye commented:
“We said we would provide a canopy over the full length of the platform and install an accessible lift before the winter weather arrives, and that is just what we have done.
“In fact, we have gone one stage further. We have made sufficient financial savings on the original scope of the work that we had enough money to include a fully enclosed, heated waiting room as well as all the other work.”
Local MP Jack Straw was given a preview of the work, after which he said:
“This is wonderful news for the passengers of Blackburn station, who have had to endure wet, windy waits for trains for many years.
“I campaigned long and hard for these improvements and it’s good to see them finally being provided.”
Councillor Dave Harling, executive member for regeneration, said:
“The new platform will greatly improve facilities at Blackburn station for passengers including residents, workers and visitors to the town.
“This is yet another way to promote rail as an alternative to the car and contributes to the overall regeneration of the town centre and its facilities.”
Work started on the project in May, when platform 4 was closed to passengers.
The first part of the project to be tackled was the building of a lift shaft from the station subway up to platform level, installing the lift and refurbishing the subway.
After that the canopy was erected to cover virtually all the platform, including the new lift entrance/exit and the existing slope linking the platform and subway.
New lighting, seating, public address speakers, information screens and CCTV cameras were installed, along with the new waiting room.
With the work completed, the entire station is fully accessible meaning many people who previously were unable to use the station now have access to the national rail network.
