Construction is due to start on Monday, 30 October on improvements at Dumfries station in Scotland that will provide step-free access between the station's platforms.
To provide step-free access, the existing footbridge will be removed and replaced with a new accessible footbridge that incorporates lifts to both platforms 1 and 2. To carry out the work, it will be necessary to close the existing footbridge to the public from Monday, 20 November .
Work to install the new bridge will take place in spring next year, and is scheduled for completion next summer.
Throughout the construction work train services will continue to operate as normal, but some temporary changes will be put in place for access to the platforms.
The construction work will also reduce the number of spaces in the Platform 1 car park, and during the removal of the old bridge and installation of the new one there will be some temporary changes in access to the Platform 2 car park.
To keep the public informed as to what is happening, those living near the station will receive letters outlining key dates and milestones as the project progresses.
ScotRail has more details about the project on a dedicated Dumfries Access for All webpage here., and will provide progress updates on Twitter @NetworkRailScot.
Dumfries is just the latest station in Scotland to benefit from step-free access. Recent upgrades have been at Uddingston in South Lanarkshire, and at Anniesland in the West End of Glasgow.
Amanda Naughton, Network Rail's scheme project manager for Dumfries station's accessibility improvements said: “We are pleased to begin the construction phase of our project to install a new bridge with lifts at Dumfries station.
“The interest from the community in the project has been great and we are delighted to have developed a bridge design that compliments the station's unique architecture but improves the passenger experience and delivers modern standards of access for those travelling to or from Dumfries.
“Over the coming months there will be a significant amount of construction activity at the station and we thank passengers and those working and living nearby for their patience as we deliver these essential improvements.”
The works are being carried out to make it easier for those with limited mobility or travelling with children, luggage or cycles to move between the platforms.
It would be nice to see electrification to extend from Glasgow Central to Dumfries and Kilmarnock with ScotRail to order more electric trains to be used. Or to inherit the Class 379 Electrostars from storage.