Hull Trains intends to spend £1.2m on improvements at Howden Station, with platform levels will be raised to reduce the stepping distance on and off trains, with the money coming from the company’s £3m Passenger Infrastructure Improvements Fund.
Paul Jackson, Head of Customer & Stakeholder Engagement at Hull Trains, said: “Since the introduction of our sParagon train fleet, the stepping distance from platform to train has increased at the latter end of each platform at Howden. We therefore 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.”
Hull Trains will be working in close partnership with station operator Northern, as well as Network Rail and TransPennine Express, to make sure that disruption is kept to a minimum while the platform redevelopment is underway.
There will be no impact to customer walking routes as the installation will take place overnight, 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 nearby 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.”
Works will take place overnight, starting on 27th March with a mid-May completion date.
Hull Trains MD Martijn Gilbert 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.”
