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Work gets underway to lengthen platforms at Stevenage railway station to accommodate new Virgin Azuma trains
The new Virgin Azuma trains - Credit: Archant
Work has begun on an £800,000 upgrade to the platforms at Stevenage railway station so new state-of-the-art trains can stop here.
Network Rail announced today it has begun work to extend platforms one, two, three and four to allow all carriages of Virgin’s new Azuma trains to fit into the station.
The new trains have faster acceleration, provide more seats and the potential to reduce journey times and are due to be introduced on the East Coast Main Line in 2018.
The upgrade begins on Monday, March 20 and will be completed on Thursday, June 15.
Network Rail says there will be no disruption to passenger services while the work takes place.
Aidan Talbott, principal programme sponsor for Network Rail, said: “The work we are carrying out at Stevenage station is an important part of our Railway Upgrade Plan and will allow all carriages of the new Azuma trains to fit into the station.
“It is a vital piece of enhancement work to the railway and will bring even greater benefits for passengers travelling on the East Coast Main Line. The work is part of a wider project of improvements and we have recently begun similar projects at both Durham and Northallerton stations.
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“I’d like to thank passengers for their patience whilst this work is carried out.”
A spokesperson for Virgin Trains added: “Our Virgin Azuma trains, which will be introduced from next year, will help us to transform the customer experience, creating more capacity, and faster and more comfortable journeys on our east coast route.”
Workmen started on site on Monday.
