Train accessibility is to be improved at Howden Station as part of a £1.2 million redevelopment project funded by Hull Trains.
Platform levels will be raised to reduce the stepping distance on and off passenger services following the introduction of the company's new fleet.
Hull Trains is working in close partnership with station operator Northern, as well as Network Rail and TransPennine Express, to ensure disruption is kept to a minimum, with works taking place overnight from March 27 to mid-May, between the hours of 11.45pm and 5.30am.
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Paul Jackson, head of customer and stakeholder engagement at Hull Trains, said: “Since the introduction of our state-of-the-art Paragon train fleet, the stepping distance from platform to train has increased at the latter end of each platform at Howden. We identified these improvement works as a priority and are confident that passengers of all mobility levels will benefit from greater accessibility when the installation is completed.”
The FirstGroup company’s £3 million Passenger Infrastructure Improvements Fund willcover the cost.
Martijn Gilbert, managing director of Hull Trains, added: “Improving accessibility at Howden is part of an ongoing investment in our services at Hull Trains, and follows the introduction of a brand-new train fleet and increase in services in recent years. The project is an important part of us continuing to provide reliable, affordable and low carbon train services that are easy for everyone to access along our route.”
There will be no impact to customer walking routes, with the platforms and waiting shelters remaining open during the day. Noise blankets will also be used during construction to effectively manage sound levels so that neighbouring residents are not disturbed.
Tony Baxter, regional director at Northern, said: “All investment in rail infrastructure is to be welcomed – especially if it has a direct improvement on the customer experience and makes the railway more accessible. I would like to thank customers for their co-operation and patience while this work is carried out."
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