A major milestone has been reached in a multi-million-pound programme to improve accessibility at Theale Station, near Reading.
Network Rail and contractors AmcoGiffen have announced the completion of works to install a new super-steel and concrete footbridge, which has a substructure of more than 60 concrete piles and connecting concrete beams, at the West Berkshire station. This is a key landmark in the continuing accessibility upgrades, which are part of the Department for Transports (DfT) ‘Access for All' scheme.
Further works to complete new lifts, which will provide step-free access to all platforms at the station for the first time, are set to be finalised by Spring 2024. Electrical testing and any necessary work to ensure the safety of the installation will be carried out by lift experts Stannah.
As previously reported on RailAdvent, throughout the works, car parking spaces have been limited, but alongside the accessibility works, GWR are planning to increase car parking capacity and make further improvements to the forecourt and station access.
Network Rail will be holding a meeting for passengers at Theale station for passengers wishing to find out more about the works this coming Tuesday, 14 November from 4.30-6.30pm.
Network Rail's lead portfolio manager Deborah Elliott said: “We're determined to enable as many people as possible to use the railway and the Access for All scheme allows this to happen.
“It's great to have the new footbridge in place however we still have hard work ahead of us to complete the project.
“We're sorry for the disruption while work continues, however once this is complete, Theale station will be safer and easier to use than ever before.”
GWR station manager Tom Butler said: “We know how important it is for our customers to improve accessibility at Theale station, and it is fantastic that this significant milestone has been reached.
“We're really looking forward to when the lifts can be brought into public use, allowing everyone to benefit from all that rail has to offer.”
AmcoGiffen's project manager, Ben Krawiec said: “AmcoGiffen is delighted to carry out this work on behalf of Network Rail and pleased to reach this latest landmark stage.
“This is a fantastic project that will provide enhanced facilities and accessibility for all passengers.
“We've worked diligently to keep disruption to a minimum while working safely and on schedule to deliver these improvements and will continue to do so as we near completion.”
This is what other railway stations do need to be step-free accessible. Especially at Wickford, Rayleigh, Hockley, Rochford, Prittlewell, Ingatestone, Hatfield Peveral, Marks Tey and others stations in Essex and in East Anglia. To meet the demand of step-free accessible stations for people who are disabled and parents with babies on push-prams.