Step-free access to both platforms at Walton-on-Thames railway station in Surrey has moved closer after Network Rail successfully installed the main bridge span and supports that connect the two platforms.
Lifts and staircases were recently installed, and were followed by craning in the main bridge span and supports. Other work is taking place at the station to improve accessibility and safety including widening platform one to accommodate the lift and installing new CCTV cameras for added security.
The £6m programme of work began in October 2022 and is expected to be completed by early 2024. When complete, it will be a lot easier easier for customers with impaired mobility, or those travelling with luggage, children, or bicycles, to make their way around the station as there will be step-free access to all of the station's platforms.
Funding for the project has come from the Department for Transport's (DfT) ‘Access for All' scheme that was launched in 2006 to address issues faced by disabled passengers and passengers with problems with mobility through things such as heavy luggage or pushchairs when using Britain's railway stations.
The funding provided by the scheme is used to create a route from the station entrance to the platforms that is free of obstacles and is accessible. This usually includes the need to install lifts or ramps as well as associated works and improvements along the route.
The Access for All scheme has recently funded accessibility improvements at St. Erth in Cornwall, Barry in South Wales, and Alfreton in Derbyshire.
Oma Megbele, Network Rail's commercial scheme sponsor, said: “We're always trying to do more for our customers, and we're delighted to have reached this major milestone as part of the ‘Access for All scheme at Walton-on-Thames station, which will provide step-free access to both platforms.
“I'd like to thank customers for their patience whilst we continue making these important improvements to improve accessibility at stations and I like forward to seeing the completion of this work early next year which will provide more comfortable journeys for customers.”
Peter Williams, South Western Railway's, customer and commercial director, commented: “It is fantastic to see this milestone reached as we get closer to complete step-free access at Walton-on-Thames station.
“We are committed to enhancing accessibility for customers across our network, and Walton-on-Thames is just one of the SWR stations benefiting from successful ‘Access for All' bids.
“I thank customers for their patience while these improvements are carried out and trust they will see the real difference these investments will make.”
Polesworth in North Warwickshire near to Staffordshire is another station that could do with having a new platform and new footbridge with lifts or a brand new railway station to serve the village of Polesworth and the existing station with only 1 platform in use to close permanently.