Through a multi-million-pound investment, Network Rail is upgrading Barry Station, in South Wales, to improve passenger experience. Some upgrades include brand-new lifts and a footbridge, and for the first time, passengers will have step-free access across platforms 2 and 3.
The funding for the station was provided by the Department for Transport and Welsh Government through the ‘Access for All’ programme - a project confronting the issues faced by disabled passengers and those facing mobility restraints - at the beginning of Network Rail’ Control Period 5 (2014-2019.)
The UK government has further allocated another £300m in funding to continue the programme during Control Period 6 (2019-2024.)
Rail Minister, Chris Heaton-Harris, said “it is fantastic that the major upgrades for Barry Station will make the station accessible for the first time.”
He added, “as we build back fairer, it is crucial that passengers are put first and that our network is inclusive for all users.”
The work has been underway steadily, following the recent, successful completion of the ‘Access for All’ scheme at Cadoxton Station, taking the stretch of railway between Barry Island and Cardiff Central one step closer to being a fully accessible line.
Wales and Borders route Director for Network Rail, Bill Kelly, said “step-free access benefits everyone, people with health conditions or impairments, people with children, heavy luggage or shopping and some older people.”
He continued, “it’s also good for the economy and means fewer car journeys, less congestion and carbon emissions.”
Some improvements have already been carried out by Network Rail, including the installation of paving on platforms, and the widening of platform 2.
Transport for Wales CEO, James Price, said “we’re proud to be working collaboratively with Network Rail on improving the accessibility at Barry, and we’re looking forward to working together to develop more schemes throughout the Wales and Borders network in the years ahead.”
The project will start on the 29 July 2021 and is due to be completed by Summer 2022. The station will remain open to passengers and rail services will not be affected.
On August 18, 2021 RTM will be hosting a virtual event around improving passenger experience across our network. Register to attend here.
