A disused underpass has been refurbished and re-opened today after 36 years, making life easier for tram and train users in Rochdale.
The 40-metre section of previously disused underpass, accessed from Miall Street, now provides quick and easy access to both Rochdale railway station and the Metrolink stop for travellers using the park and ride car park on Hare Street.
The underpass was closed in 1979 and had fallen into disrepair, but has now been furnished with new signs, railings, LED lighting, CCTV, York stone flooring and a new drainage system.
Many of the heritage features from the original subway have been kept and restored, such as the ironwork, bridge decks, heritage railings and the brown, cream and light blue tiling inside the tunnel.
Historic photographs of how the station used to look are featured on the walls and railings. This includes an image from the royal visit of King George V and Queen Mary back in 1913.
Re-opening the underpass also complements Rochdale Borough Council’s masterplan for the station gateway area, to enhance accessibility to the station for rail users with wider physical improvements, including better lighting.
It also complements the Northern Hub proposals, an investment by Network Rail in lines across the north of England. The Northern Hub Rochdale scheme will create an extra platform at the station enabling additional services for commuters between Manchester and Rochdale.
Transport for Greater Manchester Committee Chair, Councillor Andrew Fender, said: “It is excellent news that the Miall Street underpass has been opened as it really brings a lot of benefits to both commuters and businesses in the surrounding area and will hopefully encourage more people to use public transport.
“The opening of the underpass will cut the walking distance between the car park, train platforms and Metrolink stop by around 200metres, enabling public transport users to get around more quickly and in a much safer, more pleasant and secure environment.”
Councillor Richard Farnell, Leader of Rochdale Borough Council, said: “This fantastic heritage scheme, which links the free car park on Miall Street with Rochdale railway station, means that commuters and travellers can get about much more easily in a safe and pleasant environment.
“It will also create an attractive entry point to our borough, which will become increasingly important with the onset of the Northern Hub proposals to better connect us to the rest of the region.”
Lawrence Cheung at Network Rail said, "This scheme demonstrates the ongoing partnership work between Network Rail, TfGM and Northern Rail to deliver schemes for the benefit of passengers. The scheme retains the heritage of the original station whilst providing a safe passageway for passengers to the station."
Matthew Worman, Client and Stakeholder Manager for Northern Rail which manages Rochdale station comments: “These significant improvements will undoubtedly enhance the overall experience for customers using the station, making it more appealing to both new and existing customers.”
The project will be funded by Transport for Greater Manchester, Rochdale Borough Council and Network Rail and is scheduled for completion in spring this year.