10.04.14
Birchwood station to benefit from ‘step-free’ access
A £2m investment project will provide passengers at Birchwood station with “step-free” access to all its platforms for the first time in the near future.
The development project, which will start later this spring, will see Network Rail build a new bridge with lifts to all platforms at the station.
The Department for Transport will provide the scheme with a £1.193m grant, as part of its Access for All programme, and Warrington Borough Council will provide £835,000 in funding.
Ian Joslin, Network Rail area director, said: “These vital improvements to Birchwood station will make life easier for everyone to use the train, especially those with heavy luggage, reduced mobility or with small children. The new facilities will help Birchwood station handle the increasing numbers of passengers who are using it every day.”
Work at the station is set to be complete in autumn 2014, and Network Rail has stated that rail services will not be affected during the project with the station remaining open to passengers throughout.
Rail minister Baroness Kramer said: “We are committed to improving access to our rail system and offering disabled people the same opportunities as the rest of the travelling public.
“Improving access and providing step-free routes will really make a difference to passengers’ journeys, opening up access to work and leisure and helping to secure the UK’s long-term economic growth.”
(Picture shows from left: Steve Hunter, transportation manager, Warrington Borough Council; Jon Kelly, Network Rail; Councillor Brian Axcell; Dave Thompson MBE, chair of Warrington Disability Partnership; Behnam Sarani, Network Rail; Councillor Les Hoyle; Linda Dirir, executive board member, Warrington Borough Council.)
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