Two new lifts are to be installed at Grays station in Essex, which will enable customers to more readily access both platforms via an existing subway under the tracks.
The works, which are part of the ‘Access for All' scheme and come under the Government's Inclusive Transport Strategy, which was announced in July 2018 (see previous report on Rail Advent here) and will benefit all users.
When complete the new walkway under the station will provide a much shorter route and the lifts a more convenient method of access. At present step free access between platforms can only be achieved by exiting the station and using the level crossing to the east and cross the tracks, which, when the crossing barriers are closed to allow trains in and out of the station, means an additional wait time and inconvenience for customers with health conditions, impairments, buggies or heavy luggage who are unable to use the footbridge stairs.
The station subway will be closed to users to maintain safety, from January 8th 2024, whilst Network Rail and contractor, Octavius work together with c2c to begin the enabling work to construct the two lift shafts. The subway will remain closed throughout the duration of the works, which are expected to last 12 months, with passengers wishing to use the adjacent platform, being diverted via the level crossing route, or footbridge, in the interim.
Katie Frost, Network Rail's route director for Anglia said: “Every time a station is upgraded to offer better accessibility, it opens up our network to more people being able to travel with confidence and with ease. All c2c passengers using Grays station will soon benefit from better step free access with the addition of these two new lifts funded by the ‘Access for All' scheme.”
Rob Mullen, c2c's Managing Director, said, “We're really pleased to see this project moving ahead, the latest upgrade to improve accessibility across our network. Grays is a really busy station so ensuring it can support as many members of the local community as possible is really important. The new lifts will provide greater, more convenient access, adding to the step-free already available at the station. We thank our customers for their patience as this key upgrade project takes place.”
It’s about time that Grays needs step-free accessibility including new lifts. Plus Basildon station also needs improvements including the missing platform on platform 2 that subsided due to sinking ground which needed massive repairs.