Work to extend a train station platform in Belfast is set to take four months.
Construction at Adelaide Train Station, in the south of the city, is set to help accommodate additional train carriages as well as work to improve the lighting and CCTV at the stations, to ensure better security for passengers and residents.
With work starting this month, Translink is organising public information sessions to discuss with local residents and passengers the plans for the new platform extensions.
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Translink has been introducing 21 new Class 4000 carriages to the network to complement the existing fleet, and to enable the conversion of a number of current three carriage trains into six carriage trains.
The current platforms at Adelaide can only cater for trains that are three carriages in length. The extension of the platforms will allow six car train sets to service the stations, offering more space, increased capacity for passengers and walk-through carriages.
Translink said the station is particularly busy for commuters and the platform is also essential for serving sporting events within the area. They said there is a need to progress increased capacity at the stations to meet present and anticipated future demand.
The project also includes future proofing for advances in ticketing technology and signaling. It is anticipated the work will be completed by August.
Translink Project Manager Rita O’Neill said: "Translink are investing significantly on improving the rail network, and this project is vital to modernise our infrastructure to enhance our services, maintain high quality, and provide safe, attractive rail travel for today and for future generations.
"In recent times, we have witnessed an increase in passenger numbers using public transport. The platform extensions at Adelaide Station will cater for an opportunity to harness the modal shift towards eco-friendly transport as we progress towards a Net Zero public transport system by 2040.
"We will be hosting the information sessions to allow local residents, passengers and the wider public to find out more about the project and travel arrangements.
"Throughout the construction process, Translink and our appointed contractor will continue to engage with local residents and passengers, keeping them up to date as the works progress. We will also be hosting additional information sessions as the project progresses.
"We look forward to engaging and working closely with local residents and passengers, and we thank them for their continued support and patience as we progress these essential works."
The Translink team will be at the Agapé Conference Centre, 236-266 Lisburn Road, on Monday, May 22, during the following times:
- Session 1 - 11am – 1pm
- Session 2 – 6pm – 8pm
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