Northern, along with Network Rail, have opened a brand new train maintenance depot in Blackburn.

The new TMD comes at a cost of £23 million.

The new depot will see up to 30 DMUs stable there and also be maintained. The depot is a key part of the Great North Rail Project.

In addition to the depot, Northern are making a further investment in Blackburn.

Blackburn depot will be the home to 100 employees.

What did the officials say?

Liam Sumpter, Regional Director at Northern said: “The new depot has been constructed to the highest specification and features a six-track train stabling and maintenance building, as well as train washing and fuelling equipment. The Blackburn site will house trains that will be re-routed following the electrification of the Blackpool to Preston line and, as such, is a vital part of the modernisation of rail in the north of England.”

He added “The depot is a fantastic example of what can be achieved through partnership work. I was delighted to be able to welcome Rail Minister Paul Maynard to carry out the official opening.”

Rail Minister Paul Maynard, who attended the opening, said: “I’m delighted to officially open this state-of-the-art depot for Northern. It’s a big step in the transformation of rail services under the Great North Rail Project. It’s also demonstrates what can be achieved when government, train operators and infrastructure managers work together to put passengers at the heart of everything we do.”

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