The final sections of the new footbridge at Darlington railway station have been installed by Network Rail contractor BAM, connecting the historic Victorian station with the new eastern entrance and platforms as part of the ongoing £140m redevelopment project.

The footbridge links the existing station with the new platforms 5 and 6 and eastern concourse building, with all four structural steel sections now in place. The final components were recently installed following the first two major sections that were fitted in February.

When complete, this new connection will improve passenger experience at the station, providing better access between platforms and to the new facilities being built.

The installation of platforms 5 and 6 will allow Network Rail teams to better manage the flow of trains, improving performance and enabling capacity for more services in the future.

The joint project between Network Rail, LNER, Tees Valley Combined Authority, Darlington Borough Council and majority funder the Department for Transport, has seen a new concourse building and entrance hall created – with new access also provided from Neasham Road.

The vision is also seeing work to improve access to onward journeys with a revamped western gateway to the station.

Hoardings have been erected around properties requiring demolition at the Victoria Road-side of the station, to facilitate the public realm work which will improve connectivity to and from the town centre.

The next significant stage of the project will focus on the new station entrance, featuring a transport interchange, multi-storey car park, and modern facilities for passengers.

The project remains on target for completion in December.

Luke Durston, principal programme sponsor for Network Rail, said: “The installation of the final sections of the footbridge marks another important step forward in this crucial project. While there is still work to be done to make the bridge fully operational, this progress keeps us firmly on track for our December completion. We're grateful to all station users for their continued patience.”