Railway platforms extended at three local stations

Littleborough station

Platforms at three stations in the Rochdale borough have been extended as part of a £60 million Platform Extension Scheme as part of the Great North Rail Project and operator’s transformation programmes.

Platforms 1 and 2 at Mills Hill, Smithy Bridge and Littleborough have all been extended as the improvements – following the introduction of Northern and TransPennine Express’ new trains – were carried out at 73 stations across the Northern network.

Northern, TransPennine Express and Network Rail teamed up to complete the improvements.

Tricia Williams, Chief Operating Officer at Northern, said: “Extending the platforms allows us to run longer trains and that, in turn, gives our customers more space on-board. The additional platform space also means there are more places for customers to get on and off our trains which speeds up the boarding process and can reduce delays and improve performance. 

“I would like to thank colleagues at Network Rail for their tireless work over the past couple of years at 69 of our stations. This huge project will enable us to deliver better and longer rail services that will make a positive impact for the North.” 

Phil James, Network Rail’s North West Route Director, said: “Work to extend platforms across the north of England has been a railway industry team effort to transform journeys for passengers over the last few years.

“The multi-million pound Great North Rail Project investment has enabled the introduction of longer trains with more seats, meaning fewer delays and more room for passengers when Covid-19 travel restrictions are a thing of the past.”