13.08.20
Coulsdon South station made more accessible for passengers
Construction of a new footbridge and lifts at Coulsdon South station has been completed by Network Rail, alongside the installation of platform edge tactile paving and upgrade to the station power supply.
This work forms part of the Department for Transports funded Access for All programme which aims to provide obstacle free, accessible routes to and between platforms.
More than £300m of funding has been secured to continue with the Access for All Programme over the next five years.
Key efficiencies were gained through re-designing the footbridge to lessen the amount of steelwork needed and the need to re-locate the taxi building.
Network Rail said engineers wisely considered the station user when planning works to ensure minimum disruption.
A temporary scaffold footbridge was also put in place to access the far platform, which removed the need for construction workers to use the public station footbridge.
Friends of Farthing Downs and Happy Valley kept the local community updated on the stations progress. Flower beds were also made to enhance the look of the station footbridge.
The public were also kept up to date during the project through station posters and project information boards.
Chris Heaton-Harris, Accessibility Minister said: “Our Access for All programme is proving that government investment is making a real difference and improving people’s lives.
“The new lifts and bridge will give more people confidence to travel by train, especially disabled people and those with pushchairs or heavy baggage.”
Shaun King, Sussex Route Director for Network Rail, said: “We are continuously seeking opportunities to make stations more accessible and the new footbridge at Coulsdon South will help ensure that everyone in the community has the opportunity to easily access train services.
“These improvements are a vital aspect of our strategy to provide a safe, reliable and efficient railway."
Images: Network Rail