Passengers at Menston station can now benefit from fully accessible, step-free travel following the completion of a £7.8 million upgrade delivered through the Government’s Access for All programme.
A formal opening event celebrated the project’s completion — a scheme delivered by Network Rail, in partnership with Northern, the West Yorkshire Combined Authority, the Department for Transport, and contractor Amco Giffen.
Major Accessibility Enhancements Delivered on Time
The upgrade includes:
- New lifts and a modern footbridge
- Enhanced waiting facilities and upgraded CCTV
- Tactile paving and improved passenger information systems
- A refurbished accessible public right-of-way footpath
The scheme was delivered on schedule and with zero construction accidents, with the footbridge installation completing three weeks early in October 2025. The lifts entered service on 16 February 2026, after endurance testing. A ribbon-cutting ceremony took place on 27 February, attended by delivery partners, councillors, dignitaries, and members of the public.
Improved Passenger Experience and Community Benefits
Chris Wright, Network Rail senior sponsor, said:
“We’re very pleased to deliver step free access at Menston, making the station easier, safer and more welcoming for everyone.
“This investment is already making a real difference for passengers, particularly those with reduced mobility or travelling with prams or luggage. Thanks to strong collaboration with our partners and the local community, we’ve delivered the work safely and on time, and it’s a great example of how Access for All is improving journeys across the network.”
The project also delivered strong community value. Engagement included school sessions and a partnership with The Railway Children preschool and nursery, based at the station. The team provided toys, updates, ear defenders for noisy periods, and even adapted construction schedules around nap times.
Zandra Monroe-Cochrane, founder of The Railway Children, said:
“From the word go, everyone on the project has been really communicative with us and really considerate. They provided ear defenders for the children for when it was noisy when they went outside, and even changed their schedule around our routines so they didn’t disturb the children’s nap times, which was absolutely perfect.
“They made the children gifts for our outdoor area, including a wooden train, and have become friends, really, over the past year or so.”
Local Leaders Welcome Wider Accessibility Benefits
Anna Dixon, MP for Shipley, said:
“It's fantastic to see the completion of the new accessible lifts here at Menston station. They will make such a difference not only to those of us who have disability or mobility issues and find the stairs difficult but also for anybody who's got a buggy and small children. There are so many ways in which this opens up public transport and use of the trains to everyone.”
Kerry Peters, Northern’s director of stations, said:
“We’re really pleased to see this important project has been completed at Menston station, as it delivers significant improvements for our customers.
“Providing step-free access at stations makes a real difference to people with disabilities and limited mobility, giving many the confidence to travel by train.
“We will continue to work closely with Network Rail and other partners to improve accessibility at stations across our network and always welcome feedback from our customers.”
Image and video credit: Network Rail
