Dumfries station has had an application for an accessibility improvements project approved by Dumfries and Galloway Council’s Planning Applications Committee. The project will see a new footbridge which features lifts, enabling step-free access to both platforms for passengers.
Slight updates have been made to the design, taking on board a consultation response from Historic Environment Scotland. The changes include the addition of a gentle curve in the bridge which has been achieved by raising the deck 200mm at its centre, whilst the lift towers now feature mid-grey cladding panels that are a little darker than the original colour.
Further changes have also been made in order to fit motorised scooters more easily, which has seen the lift tower’s internal dimensions altered to be less square.
Late October will see work get underway on the project, with completion expected during summer 2024.
Karen McChesney, Network Rail’s town planning lead for the accessibility work at Dumfries station, said:
“We are delighted to have the Listed Building Consent approved by Dumfries and Galloway Council.”
“This project will deliver modern standards of access for those travelling to or from Dumfries and will improve the travelling experience for passengers.”
“The new bridge and lifts will help everyone in the community access services at Dumfries station easily as part of our efforts to enable even more people to travel by train.”
“Delivering step-free access at stations to open up our network is one important way in which we are improving the overall experience of travelling on Scotland’s railway”.
“Network Rail would like to thank council planning officials and the Planning Applications Committee for supporting this important accessibility project and we look forward to the works starting at the station in the not-too-distant future.”
Responses
About time as well. Dumfries station does need some improvements including becoming step-free station.