30.01.20
Norwood Junction station upgrade receives significant support
The development of Norwood Junction station has been given the green light by residents, passengers and businesses in the area. With a 94% backing, the upgrade would allow trains to run more dependably and more frequently.
The proposals to upgrade the station were presented by Network Rail at public information sessions back in summer 2019 where themes such as impact on passengers, improving train services and suggestions for station design and platform layout were discussed.
Network Rail is proposing to remodel tracks and platforms to allow more trains to run through and stop at the station in the future. At the moment, stopping and fast trains share the same tracks, subsequently meaning delays to slow services have a knock-on effect on fast services and vice versa. Modern 12 car trains are also not able to travel through as the platforms are too narrow and too short.
The developments proposed would also make Norwood Junction station step-free for the first time, improving accessibility for those with reduced mobility and those travelling with luggage or a pushchair.
Managing Director of Network Rail’s Southern region, John Halsall said: “I’m pleased that our proposals for Norwood Junction station have been well received by passengers and local people. The proposals are a key part of our long terms plans to unblock the railway bottleneck in the Croydon area to reduce delays and overcrowding on the Brighton Main Line.
“Taking onboard feedback from local people and passengers, we are continuing to develop those plans in detail and look forward to speaking with the public again at our next round of consultation this summer.”
Councilor Stuart King, Cabinet Lead for Environment and Transport at Croydon Council, said: “We are supportive of Network Rail’s efforts to improve their service for our residents and I’m pleased to see so many people engaging with the survey.
“Improvements to the station layout and tracks are essential if we are to offer residents a more reliable and inclusive service, including more stopping services at Norwood Junction.”
Stephen Miles, Principal Planner, Transport for London said: “Network Rail’s proposal to upgrade Norwood Junction station complements TfL’s plans for transforming rail services in south London. We have been working closely with Network Rail in developing these plans and will continue to do so.”
Image: Network Rail