Work on new train station slowed by coronavirus - but launch should still happen this summer
A delay is not the best start for a train station – but leaders in charge of the £10.55 million rail stop are ensuring work continues under the safest of measures following the coronavirus outbreak.
Construction on the station at Horden has been continuing since the crisis hit, but with efforts being made to protect contractors while on site, bosses say it will no longer be ready to launch this month, as first planned.
A new date is yet to be confirmed, but the team involved in leading the project aim to have the hub up and running to take passengers to and from the new East Durham stop later in the summer.
Ray Brewis, Durham County Council’s strategy and project development manager, said: “It’s obviously disappointing for everyone that the new station at Horden will not be able to open in May as planned.
“Work has continued on the station throughout lockdown, with contractors observing strict health and safety guidance, and it’s the observance of these safe working practices that has changed the build programme and delayed completion.
“Along with our partners, we are looking at ways to safely bring additional staff back onto site so that work on the station, car park and access can further progress, with a view to the station opening later in the summer.”
Once up and running, the station is expected to handle 71,000 a year.
Work at the site, on South East View, started on May 23 last year with the roads, footpaths and cycle links being improved, with a bridge in place to link the two platforms and a car park.
Passengers are likely to be able to travel to and from Seaham, and Hexham, with a chance to connect to the Metro network in Sunderland, Heworth, Newcastle and Hexham, while Hartlepool, Seaton Carew, Billingham, Stockton, Thornaby, Middlesbrough, James Cook, Marton, Gypsy Lane and Nunthorpe will be accessed in the opposite direction, with an hourly service each way anticapted.
Confirmation of stops is subject to further detailed talks with the train operator, Arriva North, and these discussions will include also other destinations.
Conversations are ongoing regarding the possibility of trains going to London making stops at Horden.
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