Newly resurfaced platforms at Carlisle bring smoother and safer journeys

• Works to resurface platforms one, two, and three now complete
• Network Rail investment of £6.5m brings platforms up to modern standards
• Improvements designed to provide smoother and safer experience for all rail users

Rail passengers can now experience smoother journeys at Carlisle station, following the completion of platform resurfacing works by Network Rail.

The Cumbrian station, managed by Avanti West Coast, has seen an investment of £6.5m in platforms one, two, and three to make journeys smoother, safer and easier for rail users.

Various improvements have been delivered as part of the resurfacing works – the surface of the platform is now completely level, drainage has improved, and the gap between the platform edge and trains has reduced.

New ‘tactile’ paving has also been installed on the platform edges to improve accessibility for passengers with visual impairments.

This major investment to resurface the platforms and bring them up to 21^st century standards is part of Network Rail’s Great North Rail Project – a programme of improvements to transform train travel for customers in the North of England.

Michael Byrne, Avanti West Coast Station Manager at Carlisle, said: “The newly resurfaced platforms will provide a better experience for passengers – particularly when boarding and alighting trains at the station – and are the latest initiative designed to improve journeys for those travelling to and from Carlisle.

“We would like to thank passengers for their patience while the works were carried out and hope they enjoy smoother journeys for many years to come.”

John Stevenson, MP for Carlisle, said: “I am delighted to see the results of investment into platforms at Carlisle station. The need for tactile surfacing was one of the issues I lobbied for, so it is wonderful to see the platforms brought up to modern standards and fit for all users.”

Joanna Fielding, Scheme Project Manager at Network Rail, said: “It’s great to see this multi-million-pound revamp to Carlisle station’s platforms finished and being used by passengers. The resurfacing of platforms one to three means passengers will have a much smoother and brighter experience when travelling through Carlisle.

“The improvements make getting on and off trains a smoother and easier experience and it’s another example of Network Rail and the Great North Rail Project upgrading the railway for the future.” 

Councillor Keith Little, Cabinet Member for Highways and Transport at Cumbria County Council said: “I am delighted that this resurfacing work has been completed. The improved platforms will provide a much better surface for station users and complements the ongoing plans the county council is leading to redevelop the station and area around the Citadels in the city centre. Thanks to Network Rail and other partners for their work and commitment to this long-term project which will help to transform Carlisle into a first-class destination to live, work, study and visit.”

The works have been delivered in anticipation of the Carlisle Station Gateway project, which is designed to transform the city’s station and strengthen connectivity.

Avanti West Coast is working with Carlisle City Council, Cumbria LEP, Network Rail, and other partners to deliver the project.