Network Rail has announced that the lifts at Derby station are back in use following a revamp.
As part of a wider project to improve Derby station, the lifts throughout the station were in need of attention.
Taking advantage of the reduced passenger numbers while COVID-19 restrictions are in place, the team started in September 2020, working on and off over the last seven months to complete the work.
Now complete, the £750,000 project has seen new lifts fitted which will require less downtime in the future, ensuring they are available for anyone who needs to use them.
Other work carried out across the station while passengers numbers have been lower includes:
- Cleaning of both canopies and drainage systems
- Resurfacing of the car park and platform one
These improvements should increase customer satisfaction for people using the station for both commuting and pleasure when the UK Government's COVID-19 restrictions and advice changes later on this year.
Route Director for Network Rail's East Midlands Route Gary Walsh said: “This major work to improve the lifts at Derby station means they are more reliable for passengers, making it easier for them to access the platforms.
“We carefully planned this project to make sure some of the lifts remained open whilst the others were out of action and we want to thank people for their patience.
“We've already seen the difference the lifts at the main entrance are making for passengers. As restrictions ease and people return to the railway, the work will improve the experience for those using the station for the months and years ahead.”
Area Manager, Derby for EMR Jason Cocker said: “We're delighted that the final stage of the lift renewal project is now complete.
“We worked with Network Rail to keep disruption to a minimum and would like to thank our passengers for their patience whilst this work took place, both on the main entrance and the Pride Park entrance.
“We are looking forward to restrictions easing after lockdown so we can welcome passengers back to the railway, and any passengers that require step-free access can now benefit from the new, and more reliable lifts at Derby station.”
Regional Director for East Midlands & East Anglia CrossCountry Richard Morris said: “We are delighted that the work to upgrade the lifts at Derby has gone so smoothly. The alternative arrangements put in place by our colleagues at EMR and Network Rail meant that our customers were able to continue to access all of the platforms and passenger facilities at this important interchange station.”
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Very nice. Well done Network Rail and East Midlands Railway.