Station revamp 'milestone' as bridge put in place

It took three hours to lift the bridge into place at Eaglescliffe station

A 92-tonne footbridge has been lifted into place as part of major improvements to a Teesside rail station.

The 56m (183ft) steel structure will feature three lifts and connect both the existing car park and a newly constructed one to Eaglescliffe's island platform.

It will save passengers wanting to access the station from Durham Lane and Cleasby Way a 25-minute walk.

The bridge installation has been hailed as a "milestone" in the £14.5m project to improve the station and resolve its long-standing access issues.

As well as the new car park on the Durham Lane site, which the council says will benefit those working on the Durham Lane Industrial Estate, cycleways will also be installed.

Funding for the project includes £9.2m from the Tees Valley Combined Authority, £3.25m from Network Rail and £2m from the Department for Transport.

A new car park is being constructed on land to the west of the station

Tees Valley Mayor Ben Houchen said: "This lift marks a big milestone in getting this project completed and ready.

"Eaglescliffe offers a crucial link to major stations south of us and its access has been below par for far too long.

"Ultimately, this project and the work going on around the station will make things better and simpler for people working at Durham Lane Industrial Estate - and for everyone who wants to use Eaglescliffe for travel."