New CGI mock-ups of the revamp of Walkden Station have been released to the LDRS after nearly 'a decade worth of planning'. In an update meeting with Salford Council and the local MP at Walkden Station this week, Network Rail shared that 'progress was being made behind the scenes' on the project to bring a much-needed lift to the station.
Funding and delays
Funding for the project was first awarded in 2019. But progress on the scheme has been hampered by the pandemic and the 'unlucky' discovery that the station sits in a 'high risk' former mining area. Tommy Fleming, sponsor at Network Rail, explained that engineers will need to drill into the ground to determine how to lay the foundation, and have had to plan for 'all scenarios'.
Fleming added: “I’m sorry for the ongoing delay to these vital accessibility improvements at Walkden. While progress has not always been visible, we’ve been carrying out extensive investigations and technical assessments since historic mining issues were discovered beneath the station and reviewing the impact on the programme.
“This remains a complex engineering challenge, but we continue to make progress and remain focused on addressing the mining issues and developing a safe, deliverable scheme for Walkden. These improvements will make it easier for more people to travel independently and access work, education, local services and leisure opportunities by rail.”
Construction timeline
The building works are currently expected to begin in the summer or autumn of next year and take around 17 to 20 weeks to build. In the 'worst case scenario', the work could take up to 30 weeks. During that time, there will be periods when the station has to close and alternative transport arrangements will be in play.
Local MP Yasmin Qureshi and councillors who attended the meeting on Thursday, August 20, shared her 'frustration' about the lack of visible progress. She said: “I know how important this station is for residents commuting to work every day, and they deserve to know why it has taken so long. Following this meeting, I will be pressing the Department for Transport to work closely with Salford Council and me to ensure the historic mine shafts causing the delay do not hold things up any further, and that the works at the station are finished as soon as possible.”
Community frustration
The lack of accessibility at the station has been a sore spot for the local community, with campaigners from Friends of Walkden Station (FWS) advocating for the changes for almost two decades. Locals have shared their growing frustration with the seeming lack of progress. FWS volunteer Andy Barlow noted accessibility was the 'number one issue that keeps coming up again and again and again'.
Joshua Brooks is a local councillor for Walkden South has also been on the receiving end of anger at the delays. He added: “These delays are simply not good enough. I am calling on Network Rail and all other relevant agencies to start the work as soon as possible, and ensure that passengers are kept properly informed. Accessibility should not be treated as an afterthought.”
