Ilkeston reconnected to the network after 50 years
Ilkeston station is due to welcome its first passengers on April 2, following the completion of a £10 million construction project ( RAIL 817).
It will be the first time that trains have stopped in the Derbyshire town, previously known as the ‘largest town without a station’, for more than 50 years. The new station is located at Coronation Road, on the site of Ilkeston Junction & Cossall station, which closed in January 1967.
It will be operated by East Midlands Trains, although Northern services will also call here to provide an hourly link south to Nottingham and north to Chesterfield, Sheffield and Leeds. Some trains will also go as far as Liverpool and Norwich.
In its first year 160,000 people are expected to use the station. Passengers previously had to travel to Nottingham, Derby or Langley Mill to access rail services.
The two-platform station is unmanned, but features customer information screens, ticket machines and waiting shelters, plus a 90-space car park and footbridge.
Derbyshire County Council Cabinet Member for Highways, Transport and Infrastructure Dean Collins said: “Ilkeston station will be a great boost to the area. It will mean much quicker commuting times compared with travelling by car, help to reduce congestion on the roads, and it will improve connectivity to nearby towns and cities helping to encourage visitors and bring new business opportunities to the area.”