Leyland Station platform extension due to open in ‘next few weeks’

The incident happened close to Leyland Station Pic: calflier001 — Leyland Station’s platforms have always been one carriage too short Pic: calflier001

Leyland railway station’s platform extension is nearing completion by Network Rail.

Northern Rail operates six-carriage electric trains from the station but could only open the doors on five carriages due to the short platforms.

However, the finishing touches to the work by Network Rail to extend the platforms is now happening and in a few weeks doors on all carriages will be able to open.

Other measures put in include a safe tactile paving surface on the platform for people with sight loss or vision impairment.

This is important as Leyland station was made step free a few years ago using government money.

Simon Daly, project sponsor for the Network Rail scheme said: “We have invested over £12m across five stations in the North West, including Leyland, to carry out improvements.

“The work at Leyland has included platform resurfacing and lengthening as well as the installation of tactile paving for blind and partially sighted passengers.

“The investment will enable train operating companies to run six car trains on these routes which will increase capacity and provide better performance across the network.”

Katherine Fletcher MP meeting Northern representatives at Leyland Station

Katherine Fletcher MP said: “Better trains able to pull more carriages need longer platforms and I was pleased to go to Leyland station and meet with Northern Rail to discuss these improvements and how it will improve the passengers’ travel experience.

“More capacity and better access to carriages is vital to avoid overcrowding on trains and improve safety and convenience on what is a busy station with trains to Preston, Liverpool, Hazel Grove and to Manchester.

“Thank you to Northern Rail and Network Rail for these works. They will make a difference for all passengers and it is a good investment in the infrastructure we need.”

Blog Preston contacted Northern Rail for further comment but did not receive a response by time of publication.

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