Passengers at Royston station are set to benefit from a huge accessibility upgrade after a major investment from Network Rail to provide lifts and a new footbridge to Thameslink and Great Northern passengers with a quick and easy way to switch platforms.
This multi-million-pound project is now officially under way and will culminate with the delivery of lifts being installed at each of the platforms, providing key accessibility growth for the hundreds of thousands of passengers that utilise the services each year. The vital inclusion of this step-free access point will enhance inclusivity for people suffering with limited mobility, families with pushchairs and cyclists.
Tom Moran, Managing Director for Thameslink and Great Northern, said:
“This is really great news for our customers at Royston and will open up the railway at this station to so many more people. Big projects such as this are a crucial part of our drive to create a more accessible and inclusive railway, where everyone has the confidence to travel no matter what their need for assistance.”
The erection of a new, contemporary footbridge will require engineers to demolish yesteryears model, before ultimately lifting the new structure and lift shafts into place in spring 2023. The current plans are for the new facility to open for passengers next summer, despite the original plans to open earlier in the year, which were delayed due to the challenging environment for construction projects currently. Upon completion of this process, passengers will once again be able to maximise the town’s rail connections to London, Cambridge, and Brighton.
Jonny Ham, Lead Portfolio Manager for Network Rail, said:
“It’s great to see the new bridge finally starting the construction phase. Making the station more accessible will make a huge difference for thousands of passengers and help more people to travel by train with confidence.
“People will start to see changes happening around the station, so I’d like to thank them for their patience and hope they look forward to using a brand-new accessible bridge and lifts next summer.”
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