Mid and East Antrim Borough Council Mayor Alderman Gerardine Mulvenna cut the ribbon at Cullybackey along with Translink’s Programme Manager Brendan Sloan, Assistant Route Manager Clive Watson and Margaret Murphy from the Cullybackey Community Partnership.
Today marked a major milestone for rail passengers, as the ribbon was cut to officially open the new extended platform and completion of the extensive engineering project to upgrade signals, renew track and level crossings in the Cullybackey area.
Mid and East Antrim Borough Council Mayor Alderman Gerardine Mulvenna joined Translink and members of the Cullybackey community to celebrate the completion of this two-year programme that will see enhanced accessibility and high safety standards and operational performance maintained on this vital rail corridor.
This major rail refurbishment project, a significant capital investment by the Department for infrastructure, involved three main elements including upgrading level crossings using the latest technology, extending the station platform and constructing a new ramp for better accessibility and cable ducting works along the track.
Mid and East Antrim Borough Council Mayor Alderman Gerardine Mulvenna welcomed the major milestone:
“I am delighted support this milestone for the Cullybackey project and the local community. I welcome the investment in the Cullybackey and wider Mid and East Antrim Area, to improve the services and enhance the journey for all passengers.
“The improvements will offer more for the area and promote the use of active travel. We encourage everyone to make the switch, help tackle the climate crisis and secure a brighter, more resilient future for the generations to come."
Brendan Sloan, Translink Programme Manager, expressed gratitude to the local community for their support during these essential works:
“This was a major refurbishment project and we are very grateful to the local community for their patience and support over the last two years. These works will protect the local rail infrastructure which is a major asset for the area and for future generations to come as more people choose public transport over the private car as a more sustainable option for our society.
“The extended platforms and enhanced accessibility will also mean our six-car walk through trains can stop safely at Cullybackey Station, allowing even more passengers the opportunity to enjoy the on-board comfort and quality of rail travel with at seat USB chargers and upgraded air conditioning."
“We are looking forward to completing finishing works and again thank the community for their support”, Brendan concluded.
Three main elements of the upgrades at Cullybackey:
Cullybackey Level Crossings: The crossing equipment has been renewed with updated technology which will enhance safety standards.
Platform Extension at Cullybackey Train Station: A platform extension at Cullybackey Station is now substantially complete and this will facilitate signalling works. There will also be improvements to the platform pedestrian access at the entrance of the station.
Killagan to Ballymena Cable Ducting: Around 5.5 miles of new cabling upgraded in the project area. This will enable technology enhancements to be maximised driving improved signalling efficiencies and reducing the levels of maintenance required in the future.