Eaglescliffe to Gain First Direct Rail Link to Manchester

An hourly train service is set to establish Eaglescliffe, a village in Stockton, Teesside, with its inaugural direct rail connection to Manchester. The service is scheduled to commence on Sunday. This development will introduce a new stop at Eaglescliffe station for the TransPennine Express route operating between Redcar and Manchester Airport. Tees Valley Mayor Ben Houchen characterized the new service as “another boost” for the region’s transportation infrastructure. The introduction of this service coincides with ongoing efforts to construct a pedestrian footbridge and enhance access to the station’s western side, as well as to Durham Lane Industrial Estate. The Tory peer stated, “Eaglescliffe can now add Manchester to its London link but it’s vitally important we sort out access once and for all.” He added, “Getting to the far side of the station has been far too difficult for many people – and we’re making sure using it becomes quicker and easier for everyone.” The station’s renovation project carries a cost of £16.3m. Of this total, £8.8m is being contributed by the Tees Valley Combined Authority, with Network Rail providing the remaining £7.5m. The project includes the installation of three lifts, which will link the station’s car parks and island platform to the current footbridge, which is being preserved. Additionally, the taxi office is undergoing reconstruction, and a new ticket counter will be established on the platform. Stockton-on-Tees Borough Council is constructing a new car park and cycleways adjacent to the station. Funding for these developments is sourced from the government’s City Region Sustainable Transport Settlement and the Levelling Up Fund. Bob Cook, who leads the Labour-led council, described Eaglescliffe station as a “key transport link” for the region due to its connections to several major stations. He commented, “The improved transport links and accessibility is great for the area as it will play a key role in helping attract more businesses to Eaglescliffe.”