Westerton railway stations new footbridge and lifts have opened to the public, completing the multi-million-pound improvement work of the East Dunbartonshire station.
The installation of the bridge, which cost £2.8m, provides step-free access via lifts to both platforms. It has bee completed as part of the government-funded Access for All initiative, which is designed to improve access at stations for everyone.
The bridge was constructed over the last nine months, the bridge includes lifts and stairs and replaces the old bridge which was no longer fit for purpose.
The project was delivered from a compound within the station car park by Story Contracting, who was acting on behalf of Network Rail. The top priority was to reduce noise and disruption throughout the work, given the number of residential houses nearby.
What did the officials say?
Rona Mackay, Member of the Scottish Parliament for Strathkelvin and Bearsden said, “Westerton is an important part of the local transport network and so I welcome the investment made in this station allowing it to be far more accessible for many more of my constituents. Step-free access between platforms will undoubtedly make travelling easier for those with mobility issues, the elderly, people with luggage or parents travelling with prams or buggies. It will improve the overall rail journey experience for everyone in our community.”
Jeremy Spence Network Rail programme manager said: “Rail travel is more popular now than ever before and we are continuously seeking opportunities to make our stations and services more accessible. This new bridge delivers modern standards of access and is a real positive for those going to or from Westerton. It will help ensure that everyone in the community has the opportunity to access the station which will, in turn, make journeys easier and improve the overall travelling experience for all of our customers.”
Bill Reeve, Director of Rail, Transport Scotland said “We want to make rail as accessible as possible to all passengers, including those with mobility impairment, as well as the elderly and parents travelling with young children in prams or buggies. The new step-free access will undoubtedly enhance overall journey experience for all customers.”
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