Barrow Haven station, in North Lincolnshire, will be closed from Sunday May 8 for some much-needed renovations work, to be carried out until Monday August 8. The construction project has been given a budget of £1.3 million to carry out the works as part of a project to “make train travel more attractive.”
The plans are to have the existing station platforms destroyed, being replaced with a brand new, 60-metre-long structure that will seek to revitalise the station. The progressive work being done to the station will hopefully improve the connectivity for the local people and allow more of a modernised approach to their rail travel. East Midlands Railway are also contributing a further £26,000 to fund additional station upgrades, including a new waiting shelter, cycle racks and station signage as well as a solar-powered help point.
This renovation project will see new tactile paving being installed along the lines, to aid visually impaired customers to know when they are approaching the edge of the platform. This ergonomic, positive change will help encourage those, less abled to participate in rail travel, creating a more inclusive environment for those within the local community.
Matt Rice, North & East Route Director for Network Rail said:
“We’re giving Barrow Haven station a much-needed update, which I hope will encourage more people in the area to travel by train. It’ll bring a more modern, practical station with better amenities, and I’m excited to see the work now underway.
These sentiments would be echoed by Lisa Angus, Transition and Projects Director for EMR, who said:
“We’re delighted to see this significant set of customer improvement works improving Barrow Haven station on our Barton-on-Humber route.”
The works being caried out means that the station will not be operational for the projected construction time. Mrs Angus would address these concerns:
“As the station will be closed during this time, we’re encouraging passengers to travel to the nearest stations, New Holland (2 miles away) and Barton-on-Humber (4 miles away) if possible. Taxis will be provided for any passengers unable to do so.
“We would like to thank our passengers for their patience whilst the works are taking place.”
Creating a more aesthetically inviting station and alleviating the stresses involved in the rail travel process for people with visual impairments, can only benefit the rail sector. Future renovation projects for the improvements of existing stations should seek to emulate these types of changes to create a more welcoming experience for everyone looking to utilise rail travel.
