Network Rail has announced that Isleworth station in west London is to become fully accessible, as it confirms a £3m investment in new lifts and walkways and other upgrades.
Working with South Western Railway and Hounslow Council, Network Rail will install new lifts either side of the raised platforms, making use of the existing subway and providing step-free access to the central platforms. Hounslow Council has contributed £1m to the scheme.
Currently, platform 1 can only be reached by steps, and the station is unstaffed, so mobility-impaired passengers are unable to fully access the station.
Network Rail's team of engineers started work today (Wednesday 5 May) and expect to complete the lifts in time to open to passengers in early 2024. The improvements at Isleworth station are part of a wider scheme of upgrades to stations across Network Rail's Southern region, helping make the railway more accessible for all.
Oma Megbele, Network Rail's commercial scheme sponsor, said: “We're really pleased to see this project get underway. It's important that our stations are accessible so that all customers can navigate their way round them travel on the railway with ease and comfort.
“We're working closely with our partners at South Western Railway, Hounslow Council and the local community to ensure we minimise disruption to customers and local residents throughout the work.”
Ruth Cadbury, MP for Brentford & Isleworth, said: ‘‘After many years of campaigning by people locally I was delighted that Isleworth station will be getting these much needed improvements to accessibility, including new lifts to provide access to the platform.
“These new improvements will make a huge difference to people locally and will make it much easier for people who are commuting into work, visiting London or simply trying to get out and about. Accessibility improvements like these are a crucial part in making London a welcoming city for everyone.
“I'd like to thank Hounslow Council, South-Western Rail and National Rail for all the hard work that has gone into making these works a reality and I look forward to seeing the difference they make for people locally.''
David Wilby, regional development manager for South Western Railway, said: “The new lifts at Isleworth will be important for all of our customers, including those with reduced mobility who require lifts to gain access to the platforms. This is just one of the six multi-million-pound accessibility projects that will be completed at South Western Railway stations by 2024, which is thanks to both a significant investment by the Access for All team and, in this case, the hard work, funding and long periods of campaigning by our stakeholders.”
The plans dont even have a compliant disabled parking space so I doubt they will be getting the rest right either!