After being announced last year, a new footbridge with lifts has been installed by Network Rail at Coulsdon South station, along with tactile paving and power supply upgrades.

The work was completed as part of the Access for All programme which aims to provide accessible routes to and between platforms.

Efficiency was gained through redesigning the footbridge to reduce the amount of steel required and avoided relocating the taxi building.

Engineers considered passengers when planning work to keep disruption to a minimum.

Accessibility Minister Chris Heaton-Harris said: “Our Access for All programme is proving that government investment is making a real difference and improving people’s lives.

“The new lifts and bridge will give more people confidence to travel by train, especially disabled people and those with pushchairs or heavy baggage.”

Shaun King, Sussex route director for Network Rail, said: “We are continuously seeking opportunities to make stations more accessible and the new footbridge at Coulsdon South will help ensure that everyone in the community has the opportunity to easily access train services.

“These improvements are a vital aspect of our strategy to provide a safe, reliable and efficient railway.”

Chris Fowler, Customer Services Director for Southern and Gatwick Express, said: “We are committed to making our services safe and available to everyone, so on behalf of our customers, we are delighted to welcome this great move forward for step-free access at Coulsdon South.”

Jonathon Griffith, a member of Southern’s Accessibility Advisory Panel who travels daily between Coulsdon South and central London, said: “The new lift at Coulsdon South is a much-needed and welcome improvement to the Southern network for me as a wheelchair user. Its arrival has given me far more freedom to access London, the South of England and beyond and is saving me five hours a week in travelling time.”

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