Station improvements set to bring smoother journeys

RAIL passengers will be able to enjoy smoother journeys under a 20m upgrade of a seaside town’s historic train station.

Network Rail bosses are planning major improvements at Scarborough station so customers travelling between Seamer and Scarborough will have a more seamless and reliable journey.

Work to upgrade both track and train signals starts this month. The complex job will last for much of the year and includes a complete overhaul of the tracks, signals and drainage system.

It will also see control of the signalling system fully transferred to Seamer signal box, rather than being split between Falsgrave and Seamer, and a new track layout to improve timetable flexibility and give better access for refuelling steam trains.

Scarborough Council’s technical services manager, Bruce Bedford, said: “Between January and October 2010 works are being carried out overnight to minimise impact upon the travelling public.

“All the work will be within the boundaries of the station and railway lands. However, the works will impact upon rail services towards the end of this year.”

The station will be completely closed during October 2010 and shuttle bus services will operate from Seamer into Scarborough centre.

Network Rail is looking to schedule some other works that it has to carry out to take place at this time in order to minimise disruption to the travelling public.

Mr Bedford added: “The council’s officers are working closely with Network Rail to ensure that the works can be accommodated without major impact on traffic in the town and to the benefit of visitors and bus passengers.

“The council is already working closely with Network Rail, the county council and other partners on the longer term improvements to the Station Square area.”