A Network Rail project to enhance the accessibility at Port Glasgow station in Inverclyde will commence next month, seeing the delivery of a new footbridge and lifts.
The upcoming scheme will also see the delivery of uncovered ramped access to the main station entrance at Princes Street, further improving the opportunities for those with limited mobility to gain more autonomy whilst traversing the rail network. These station improvements will also benefit passengers travelling with luggage, children or cycles to access the platforms.
Upon culmination, the new footbridge will carry passengers throughout the station, from the entrance, over the railway, with lifts providing step-free access to and from the Gourock bound platform, and the park and ride car park.
Michael McArthur, Network Rail’s project manager for the accessibility work, said:
“The bridge being built at the station delivers modern standards of access for those travelling to or from Port Glasgow on a day-to-day basis and will improve the travelling experience for passengers.
“The new bridge and lifts will help everyone in the community access services at Port Glasgow station easily as part of our efforts to enable even more people to travel by train.
“Delivering step-free access at stations to open up our network is one important way in which we are improving the overall experience of travelling on Scotland’s railway”.
This project comes as part of the ‘Access for All’ (AfA) scheme, with preparatory works coming this February in the expectation of bridge construction to begin in May. Current estimations forecast the project completion towards the end of the year. Funding has come from the AfA with further contributions from the Inverclyde Council.
Councillor Michael McCormick, Inverclyde Council’s convener of environment and regeneration, said:
“This is an important development to help make Port Glasgow Railway Station more accessible, particularly for wheelchair users, people with mobility issues, and families with prams.
“It is the busiest railway station in Inverclyde so should be fit for purpose for everyone who uses it, whether that is commuters or visitors arriving here to discover what Port Glasgow and Inverclyde has to offer.
“I’m delighted that the council is working alongside Network Rail and partners to deliver this substantial infrastructure project that will be of huge benefit to the people of Port Glasgow and wider Inverclyde.”
To ensure the local community are kept updated with developments throughout the project, members of the Network Rail team will be attending Port Glasgow West Community Council’s next public meeting, taking place in Port Glasgow Town Hall, 7pm on Monday January 30, providing an information session.
Tommy Rodger, secretary of Port Glasgow West Community Council, said:
"On behalf of people with mobility challenges, our Port Glasgow West Community Council welcomes Network Rail’s plans to build a bridge that will provide access to both platforms within the station for all passengers."
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