Lifts are soon to be installed at Northallerton station in north Yorkshire to provide step-free access to both station platforms.

Under the ‘Access for All’ scheme funded by Department for Transport, Network Rail will install lifts on both platforms, making it easier for passengers with limited mobility, pushchairs, luggage, or bicycles to move between them.

Key work on the scheme will take place on 5/6 February when stairs will replace the subway ramp. Whilst the work takes place, the subway will be closed so passengers should choose the drop-off point appropriate to their platform.

From 7 February until 31 March, the lifts are being installed and there will be no step-free access between the platforms. That work should be completed by 31 March. Again, passengers should choose the drop-off point appropriate to their platform.

To minimise disruption to passengers, some of the work will take place when no trains are scheduled to call at Northallerton. This will be on 29/30 January, 5/6 February, and 12/13 February when Network Rail will replace over 3km of track between York and Newcastle, including the rails, sleepers, and ballast.

During this time, there will be limited train services between York and Newcastle with rail- replacement buses being provided. The rail replacement buses will depart from and arrive at Platform 1 at Northallerton.

Passengers travelling to or from Northallerton should plan their journey in advance using the National Rail Enquiries Journey Planner at https://ojp.nationalrail.co.uk/service/planjourney/search

Neil Henry, East Coast Operations Director for Network Rail, said: “We’re doing this work across a few weekends to keep the railway open for passengers, including key workers, through the week – and we’re packing in additional work to minimise future disruption. When complete, this vital section of the East Coast Main Line will see fewer delays, helping to provide better journeys along the whole route.”

A spokesperson for train operators on the East Coast Main Line, said: “Passengers planning to travel over these three weekends should plan their journey in advance through their train operator’s website or via National Rail Enquiries. The improved track will allow us to run trains more reliably, helping passengers get to where they need to be, on time.”