13.05.20
Gatwick Airport station improvements on track despite Covid-19 outbreak
The £150m Gatwick Airport transformation will begin the next stage next week (May 17th) thanks to innovative ways of working within Covid-19 social distancing safeguards.
Enabling works have continued, as Network Rail continues their progress with the project which will prevent overcrowding, improve accessibility and reduce delays for millions of passengers every year.
Platform 7 will close on May 17th to allow construction of the new station concourse to commence, however other platforms will remain open.
The station, which serves passengers using Southern, Thameslink and Gatwick Express, is a vital part of infrastructure for the airport and the economy once people start to travel again. When the upgraded station opens in 2023, there will be wider platforms and improved step-free access, five new lifts and eight new escalators. Works will double the concourse area, which will make journeys from the train to the plan much easier.
The project is being managed by Network Rail and delivered by Costain, in partnership with the Department for Transport and Govia Thameslink Railway. Gatwick Airport Limited and Coast to Capital Local Enterprise Partnership are co-funding the project with £37m and £10m respectively.
Rail Minister, Chris Heaton-Harris, said: “I am pleased to see an important milestone reached on this project, which is testament to the hard work of all the teams involved who have come up with innovative ways of working in these challenging times.
“Once complete, the expanded, modern station will be an impressive gateway to Global Britain, improving accessibility and services for passengers.”
Regional Investment Director for Network Rail, Paul Harwood, said: “We’ve found innovative ways of progressing with our work during this pandemic, ensuring the continued safety of our contractors and at the same time hitting our important project milestones.
“We have now finished diverting power cables and testing the places we’ll be piling for new foundations, and we’re on target to start our work on platform 7 on May 17.”
Image: Network Rail