Reston station prepares to welcome first train passengers

A bird's eye view of the new train station at Reston.
Author: Ally McGilvrayPublished 20th May 2022
Last updated 22nd May 2022

Network Rail's confirmed work on the new train station in Reston is now complete.

The first passenger service to stop in the village since 1964 will arrive shortly after 6am on Monday.

The £20 million development - which sits on the East Coast Main Line - includes two platforms capable of catering for 10 carriage trains, a 70-space car park and electric charge points.

The 'ribbon' design footbridge linking the two platforms is the first of its kind to be installed on the UK rail network and means both platforms are wheelchair accessible.

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Jenny Gilruth, Scottish Government Minister for Transport, said: “I am delighted that work to construct the new Reston station is now complete ahead of services calling at the station for the first time.

“Our Programme for Government made a commitment to decarbonising Scotland’s Railway and growth in rail use is an essential part of decarbonising the total transport mix.

“The £20m investment provided by the Scottish Government for Reston station and investment in other new stations is one way to make travelling by rail an easier option and enable more people to choose the sustainable transport option as an alternative to using the car.

“The new Reston station will provide a step-change in provision of public transport in the area and will help transform Reston and the surrounding communities that will benefit from the transport interchange and the improved connectivity it delivers."

Work at the station got underway in March 2021 following a period of advance works to divert a water main which crossed the site. As well as construction of the station, work included upgrades to the electrification and signalling equipment through the area.

Alex Hynes, managing director of Scotland’s Railway, said: “It is part of our commitment, alongside the Scottish Government, to expand the rail network and connect Scotland’s Railway to new communities.

“The opening of the station at Reston is an exciting development that has the potential to transform life for local people and the communities it will serve.

“This station will create new social and economic opportunities for people in the Village and in the surrounding area and we look forward to welcoming services back to Reston - and to seeing the positive impact the railway will have in years to come."

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Reston will be served by eight trains per weekday in each direction mainly operating between Edinburgh and Newcastle. Seven services will be offered by TransPennine Express with the other being offered by London North Eastern Railways.

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Sam Smith, Chief Officer for Economic Development at Scottish Borders Council, said: “The completion and opening of the new Reston station is a momentous occasion for communities across Berwickshire and I am delighted to welcome a train service to the village again after a gap of almost six decades.

“The Council has worked tirelessly to make this project a reality, investing almost £3 million in this project, as we believe it will be transformational for Berwickshire and the wider area, making it more attractive for inward investment and sustainable, which in turn will help support communities and deliver inclusive economic growth”.

“Easy access to services on the East coast mainline services opens up a world of opportunity for local people but also provides a platform to attract people to Berwickshire and capitalise on its fantastic leisure and tourism potential."

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