Northumberland Park - Lift Shaft Installation & Platform Works

We are currently planning to receive delivery of and install the staircase and lift shaft on the weekend of Friday 27 June 2025 from 7:00pm finishing on Monday 30 June 2025 at 6:00am.

The prefabricated staircase and lift shaft will be arriving to site by articulated lorry on Friday 27 June via Algernon Drive up to Backworth Court. The stairs will be installed first directly from the delivery lorry into its final position.

The installation of the lift will be more complex due to its size and the need for it be transported to site on its side. Once it has arrived on site, it will need to be rotated from its horizontal travelling orientation to its final, vertical orientation. To do this safely, we will need to use a small crane positioned in the junction of Algernon Drive and Backworth Crescent. Additionally, we will have to use a Mobile Elevated Working Platform on the higher-level platform. This will allow the team to safely remove the slings from the top of the lift after it has been installed.

During this period, access to the footpath on Algernon Drive bridge will be restricted when the crane is in use. Access will be managed by our site team, who will open the footpath as soon as it is safe to do so. Please approach the traffic marshals in the first instance who can advise if the footpath can be used, and if not follow the current pedestrian diversion route.

Disruption to access and parking during delivery period

During a short period when the stair and lift shaft arrives, access to Backworth Crecent via Algernon Drive will be prohibited during the delivery of the staircase and lift shaft. To ensure there is enough road space along Algernon Drive to allow the crane to travel safely to the bridge, cars will be asked not to park on Algernon Drive Road from 8:00pm on Friday 27 June 2025 until 8:00am on Saturday 28 June 2025. During this period there will be no vehicle access to Backworth Crescent during these times. Prior to the works starting, traffic cones and signage will be placed on Algernon Drive to deter parking.

What to expect during these works?

The lift installation will result in some temporary localised disruption. As described above, cranes will be in use, there will be a small amount of drilling and use of impact drills to allow us to safely secure the structures. As always, we will try a minimise the disruption as much as is practical. Our teams will also need access to the welfare facilities which will require a generator to be used. We are aware that our works can impact our neighbours, however every effort will be taken to limit this where practically possible.

Station Platform Works

Our next element of station work after the lift shaft installation will start on Saturday 5 July 2025 and is anticipated to take up to two weeks to complete. These works are to install the coping stones (the platform edges, where the trains will stop for passengers boarding and disembarking). Due to the need to work close to where the trains are running, we will need to have access on the railway to do these works. Please note that this work will take place mid-week and weekend nights between the hours of 10:00pm – 6:00am each shift.

What to expect during these works

In order to undertake the installation of the coping stones, we will need to use a cut-off saw to correctly install a small number of the units, which may result in some noise disruption. As always, we will try a minimise the disruption as much as is practical. Our teams will also need access to the welfare facilities, and use site lighting, which will require a generator to be used. We are aware that our works can impact our neighbours, however every effort will be taken to limit this where practically possible.

Any noise arising from the works will be within the legal levels under UK law and every effort to keep noise, dust, and vibration, is limited as possible, however some level of disturbance is to be expected. Noise monitors are in place and are checked regularly.

If you have any concerns at all about this or would like to ask us any questions about the above, please email rail@northumberland.gov.uk or call 0345 600 6400.