Milestone reached in project at Port Glasgow station

Port Glasgow station is currently undergoing a major accessibility improvements project which has recently achieved a huge milestone with the completion of a ramp at the station's Princess Street entrance.

The £5 million project will provide passengers with step-free access at the station once work is completed by Network Rail and principal contractor, STORY.

The Princess Street entrance now features a new uncovered ramped access created alongside modern railings, new lights and CCTV as part of the ongoing project. The project will also see the addition of a brand new footbridge with lifts put in place at the station which will support customers making their way from the entrance, across the railway with lifts creating step-free access both to and from the Gourock bound platform and the park and ride car park, on completion.

Funding for the project has been provided via the Access for All scheme alongside contributions from Inverclyde Council to bring improved accessibility for the station, supporting those with mobility impairment or travelling with children, luggage and bicycles.

The working site saw a visit from Councillor Cassidy, the vice-convener of environment and regeneration for Inverclyde Council alongside Tommy Rodger and Anne Ross from Port Glasgow West Community Council in order to mark the completion of this part of the project.

Laura Craig, Scheme Project Manager for Network Rail said: “We are delighted to welcome Cllr Cassidy, Tommy and Anne to the site and provide an opportunity to see the progress the team has made.”

“Once the project is complete, it will be a great boost to the community and so it is great to have the support from Inverclyde council and the backing of the community council.”

Cllr Cassidy said: “What a difference to Port Glasgow station already, with a modern and welcoming new main entrance and, most importantly, step-free access for people with mobility issues, those with prams, and passengers travelling with luggage. And there's more to come with the new bridge and lifts, which will make Port Glasgow station, one of our busiest stations, one of the best and most modern in Inverclyde.”

“This project is one that we, as a council, are delighted to support and I look forward to seeing the next stages of the development.”

Tommy Rodger, secretary for Port Glasgow West Community Council, said: “The difference to the Princes Street entrance is fantastic. You can already see a lot of passengers with bikes, buggies and cases choosing to use the ramp.”

“We are really looking forward to the next milestone of the bridge arriving and when the lifts are ready it will make it so much easier for many people to move freely around the station. The community council has been vocal in wanting the station to be made more accessible for many years, so we are very happy with the progress so far and what is still to come.”