Media centre

Tuesday 18 Feb 2014

£800,000 plans to improve Hayle station access unveiled

Region & Route:

| Wales & Western: Western

| Wales & Western

A joint scheme of around £811k aimed at improving the access to Hayle station was today unveiled by Network Rail, First Great Western, Cornwall Council and Sustrans.

Central to this scheme is the provision of a safer alternative north-south link for both passengers and the community travelling through Hayle station via the existing underpass and footbridge respectively. The new link will also replace an existing footpath crossing – Hayle level crossing - which will eventually be closed when the new scheme completes.

As part of this improvement, works will be carried out to:
- Turn the disused Harbour Branch railway line into a footpath and cycleway
- Build new access to the south west of the station car park
- Build new access with ramp to rear of platform 2 to link the underpass to platform 2
- Provide bike hoops to the rear of platform 2
- Resurface the footbridge bridge to the north east of the station and improve the lighting.
- Improve signage with line markings to denote accessible route from car park to underpass
- New lightings at all the access points, including the underpass and footpath adjacent to Station Hill

Councillor Bert Biscoe, Cornwall Council portfolio holder for Transport and Waste, said: “It is good to yet again see the partnership between Cornwall Council and Network Rail in action. Let us hope that this small step for safety will lead to a giant leap in usage of the railway station and will improve connectivity within Hayle for its residents and visitors.”

Councillor John Pollard, Cornwall Council Leader and local Member for Hayle North, said: “This is an excellent scheme creating a safer and much needed access to the station from the North. The additional works to the old railway cutting will also enhance the area and establish a pedestrian route to Platform 2. I would like to thank Network Rail and particularly Philip Boorman of Cornwall Council who has negotiated, developed and championed this scheme and brought it to fruition.”

Patrick Hallgate, route managing director for Network Rail Western said: “Successfully closing a crossing isn't always a straightforward process. I thank Cornwall Council, Sustrans, First Great Western for the help they have given us at Hayle to meet our safety target and ask for their support as we look to continue the closure programme and improve safety further still across the West Country."

First Great Western's Hayle Station Manager Sara Rogers said: "First Great Western prides itself on putting our customers first and supporting the communities we serve. We recognise the key role that rail travel has in supporting the local and national economy and we are delighted to be able to unveil this scheme today. During the previous franchise over £85 million was invested across our network of 210 stations, by working with rail industry partners, the DfT, and local authorities."

Over the past four years, there have been five near-misses reported at Hayle level crossing with one fatality in 2009. The replacement of the crossing with the new access will significantly help improve the safety in the area, protecting the lives of passengers and the community.

Work is set to start by February and is projected to complete by May 2014. - end -