21.11.16
£5m upgrades completed at Whitton station
A £5m upgrade programme at Whitton station was completed today with the opening of a fully accessible footbridge, featuring two lifts for passengers.
The refurbishment programme, which began in March 2015, has provided the station with renewed platforms, canopies and station buildings, a new fully-accessible toilet and an improved forecourt and cycle racks.
The £5m funding was provided by Network Rail as part of its Railway Upgrade Plan, as well as the DfT, Richmond Borough Council and the Rugby Football Union (RFU).
Becky Lumlock, route managing director at Network Rail, said the number of passengers using the station is “growing at a fantastic rate”, meaning accessibility improvements were needed to ensure everyone can take advantage of it.
Adam Piddington, customer service director for South West Trains, added: “The upgrade of station facilities at Whitton is great news for all of our passengers.
“The refurbished platforms and canopies will benefit everyone, especially during autumnal and winter weather months, and the new footbridge and lifts will ensure that the station is as accessible as possible.”
Cllr Peter Buckwell, Richmond Council's cabinet member for highways and streetscene, noted that the council worked “tremendously hard” with Network Rail and RFU partners over the years to safeguard the improvement.
“Today's official unveiling of this new, fully accessible footbridge is a proud day for us and marks the completion of the final phase of these upgrades,” concluded Buckwell.
(Image c. Network Rail)
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