Commuters who travel through Leeds train station will no longer have to dodge the obstacles of metal fencing and plastic barriers after the main entrance was finally finished.
People have had to deal with months of disruption due to a major £161 million overhaul of the busiest train station in the north of England.
Obtrusive blue columns were in place for months, but even when they disappeared there was still the added complication of a large area fenced off at the main entrance on New Station Street.
However, glass windows and automatic doors have now been installed at the main entrance, which has been open to the elements for much of 2019.
It is the first time the entrance has been renovated in 50 years and comes alongside other major works, including the installation of new ticket barriers.
Matt Rice, Route Director for Network Rail’s North and East Route, said: "Over the past year, we’ve seen many improvements to Leeds station.
"The combination of the new glass entrance and transparent roof creates a much more open and airier atmosphere.
"The new look of the main concourse was inspired by the southern entrance to create a real identity for the station which befits the city of Leeds and welcomes passengers as they travel through the station."
More work on the way
Additional improvements are in the pipeline too. A new floor will be installed in the main concourse over the coming months, while the toilets on all platforms are due to be upgraded.
Platform Zero is also in the process of being built to ease congestion on the tracks and improve the reliability of services.
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