From Darlington to Eaglescliffe, 2025 Delivers Big Rail Progress Across Tees Valley

Major transport projects pushed ahead across Tees Valley in 2025, with rail investment reshaping key stations and laying the groundwork for improved connectivity across the region. From large-scale rebuilds to long-awaited accessibility upgrades, the year marked a turning point for the area’s rail infrastructure.

Work at Darlington Station advanced significantly as the £140million transformation moved closer to completion. One of the most important milestones came in June with the completion of the bridge-concourse link connecting the historic station building to the new eastern gateway entrance. This structural connection brought together elements delivered at the end of 2024 with the wider station redevelopment, unlocking the next phase of construction.

With the link in place, progress continued on fitting out the expanded station, including two additional platforms, a modern transport interchange, improved cycling facilities and a multi-storey car park providing more than 600 spaces. Responsibility for most of the construction work transferred to Network Rail after the Tees Valley Combined Authority completed the gatehouse and entrance works on schedule and within budget. The upgraded station is expected to increase rail capacity and improve journeys across the region, with final completion targeted for spring 2026.

Elsewhere, Eaglescliffe Station saw a major engineering operation deliver a long-awaited step towards improved accessibility. In March, a 92-tonne steel footbridge measuring 56 metres in length was lifted into position during a carefully planned three-hour operation, marking a key stage in the station’s redevelopment.

Once fully fitted with three lifts, due to become operational in the New Year, the bridge will provide step-free access to the island platform and connect the existing car park with a newly created one. The work forms part of a £16.3million upgrade supported by the Combined Authority, Network Rail and the Department for Transport. In addition to addressing longstanding access issues, the project will introduce a new western entrance and car park, led by Stockton-on-Tees Borough Council, creating a more accessible and modern gateway for passengers using Eaglescliffe Station.

Image(s): Tees Valley Combined Authority