UK: Reston station on the East Coast Main Line in the Scottish Borders opened on May 23. The first train to call since the closure of the previous station in 1964 was the 06.16 TransPennine Express service from Edinburgh.
TPE is to provide seven trains each way on weekdays, and LNER one. To mark the opening, local primary school children were given a complimentary day trip to Edinburgh, and introductory fares are available online until August 22.
Check out this gorgeous video capturing our LNER Azuma ‘Celebrating Scotland’ official tartan livery arriving at Reston for our inaugural service today: pic.twitter.com/eC6P6YSsBh
— London North Eastern Railway (@LNER) May 23, 2022
‘We know that reconnecting communities to rail isn’t just about transport; it’s opening up employment opportunities, it’s driving investment and it’s creating opportunity for future generations’, said Scottish Transport Minister Jenny Gilruth. ‘This investment will change the lives of the people of Reston for the better.’
Construction
BAM Nuttall and Network Rail began construction of the station in March 2021, with the £20m cost funded by the Scottish government and Scottish Borders Council which provided £3m.
The ECML embankment has been widened to accommodate the two 270m long platforms for 10-car trains, which are 4 m wide and have waiting shelters, seats, ticket machines and a 1·5 m steel fence to the rear. The ‘Ribbon’ footbridge is the first of its type to be installed on the UK rail network, with a 16 m span and stairs and lifts.
Changes to the built environment around the station include a new mini roundabout and foot and cycle paths. A one-way loop road serves a bus stop with shelter, a drop-off space and a 70-space car park with provision for a further 40 spaces. Cycle storage is provided.
Signalling and 5·5 km of overhead electrification was also renewed to make the most of access to the line during the work.
