Today marks the launch of the final phase of improvement works to Gloucester Station, coming as part of the wider multi-million-pound station improvement project.
The upcoming works will include the removal of the blind corner in the subway, accompanied by incorporating step free access. This final stage of the project will also see the delivery of improved lighting and CCTV capabilities. To accommodate these works, there will be a forced subway closure from today, Monday 13th March, throughout the period until late summer when it will reopen for passenger usage.
During the closure period passengers will need to use London Road, Bruton Way and Great Western Road as an alternative walking route, adding six minutes to the overall journey. The station itself will remain open for passengers, with the car parks also being unaffected.
This next phase of works for the £6m development of Gloucester Station is jointly funded through a collaborative effort between GFirst LEP, GWR, Network Rail, Gloucestershire County Council, Gloucester City Council and the Department for Transport.
Chair of GFirst Local Enterprise Partnership, Ruth Dooley said:
“It’s taken a long time to get to this point, but we are really excited now to see the final stages of the Station Improvement Project get under way. This phase will create a direct, accessible and safe route from the Gloucestershire Royal Hospital through to the transport hub and on to Kings Quarter and the City Centre and is another important step in the on-going regeneration of Gloucester.”
Richard Graham, MP for Gloucester, said:
“After campaigning for this for over a decade I’m very pleased that work on the underpass starts next week and am sure changes will be a huge improvement.
“I’m also pleased that technology means local residents can use a smartcard to walk through the station for free. Do sign up now!”
Ben Scott, GWR Station Manager for Gloucester, said:
"Working together we have been able to build on the previous investment and pave the way for further improvements. This would not have happened without the combined efforts of local government, national government, the rail industry and the local enterprise partnership.
“This is a perfect example of how working collaboratively can support the communities we serve to thrive.”
Robin Basu, Network Rail’s project sponsor, said:
“We’re proud to be working with Gloucestershire County Council, Great Western Railway and other key partners to facilitate improvements to Gloucester station.
“Step free access to the subway will mean that the station is accessible for travellers and give passengers more journey opportunities.
These improvements represent the proverbial cherry on the cake of a project that has delivered new junctions and a new station entrance, and will include further work on the station forecourt to support greener, more sustainable ways of travelling to the station.
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