Carlisle Railway Station is getting a near £15 million upgrade.

Network Rail is to replace the historic Citadel station’s problem-plagued roof and rebuild all eight of its platforms.

Glass falling from the roof has forced the closure of some platforms in the past years, prompting calls from unions for action to address safety concerns.

Work on the upgrade will start on Monday and will take up to 15 months to complete. No train services will be affected.

The first phase of the £14.7m project will replace the roof, which will cost £9.5m.

The rest of the cash will be spent on the second phase, upgrading the platforms which will have new surfaces and be made safer for passengers.

Network Rail area director Terry Strickland said: “Carlisle station is impressive and historic but its large roof is showing its age and is in need of significant repair. This investment, part of our Railway Upgrade Plan, will protect it for decades to come.

“Together with the improved platforms, the station’s environment will be much more pleasant for passengers and provide them with a better start or end to their journeys.”

The current station roof dates to 1847. Its replacement will use the same plastic – ethene-co-tetrafluoroethene – used at Manchester Victoria and Birmingham New Street stations.

Virgins Trains operate the busy station and have welcomed the work, pledging to ensure people’s journeys are not affected.

Station manager Michael Byrne said: “We can’t wait to see the finished results and are sure that it will enhance our customers’ experience.”

Carlisle MP John Stevenson has long called for investment at the Citadel, arguing that the station can play a greater part in the city’s financial future.

He said: “I am delighted that this investment is being made by Network Rail. Carlisle Railway Station is an iconic building in the city and I am pleased that it will undergo a refurbishment which will not only upgrade the appearance of the inside of the station but make rail travel safer for passengers.”

While the roof is being replaced a so-called crash deck of scaffolding will be installed. It will reduce the amount of natural light in the station but allow the upgrade to be carried out safely.