Monday 11 Jul 2011
A BETTER STATION AND TWO NEW BRIDGES FOR THREE BRIDGES
- Region & Route:
- | Southern
Network Rail and Southern have announced a series of improvements to access, facilities and the overall station environment at Three Bridges which will provide better journeys for thousands of passengers.
At the same time, two of the three bridges which carry the railway over the station subway are being removed and replaced with modern structures. Delivering this work at the same time will help keep passenger disruption to a minimum and keep costs down.
The first phase of the station improvements, which was completed last year, was the installation of three new lifts to provide a step-free route between the station entrance and the platforms to make it easier for everyone to use the railway. The next stage includes:
- Creating a new waiting area and passenger toilets on platforms 3 and 4
- Relocating the ticket gates and a refurbishing the space around them to make it easier for passengers to move around the station, particularly at the busiest times of the day
- Renewing the stairs leading to platform 5. They will be made wider and have a less severe gradient making them easier to use
- Installing new cladding and flooring within the subway
- Renewing the steps from the car park to the station
- Upgrading the drainage to reduce the chances of standing water during wet weather
- Resurfacing the platforms
- Carrying out preparatory works in advance of potential car park enhancements
Mark Ruddy, Network Rail’s route director for Sussex, said: “The next phase of improvements to Three Bridges station will make a big difference for the people who use it for 2.4m journeys every year. Providing better access and facilities will help improve the journey experience for passengers along this busy route.
“All this work has been scheduled to take place at the same time to keep disruption to a minimum and deliver best value for money. We thank passengers in advance for their patience while we carry out these improvements to their station.”
Paul Trevett, Southern’s facilities manager, said: “Last year, we surveyed passengers at Three Bridges station and asked them what improvements they wanted to see most. The top two requests were for improved waiting room and toilet facilities. We are delighted to announce that work on these essential facilities is about to start.
“There will be some changes to our service provision while the new bridges are installed and we will ensure that information regarding passengers’ options will be published in good time to allow them to plan their journeys.”
Plans have now been finalised and the work is due to start on 11 July 2011 and is planned to be completed in Summer 2012.
Notes to editors
Network Rail and Southern will be taking steps to keep passenger disruption to a minimum during this complex project, however there are some elements of the work which will require facilities to be limited or closed temporarily , including two weekend station closures.
- From 11 July – September – Existing waiting facilities on platforms 3 and 4 will be closed. Alternative facilities can be found on platforms 1 and 2.
- Mid -July to Early October – Car park steps will be closed. A diversionary route will be in place but we would advise passengers to allow an extra 3-5 minutes to get to the platforms.
- From early August – Major construction equipment being transported to and set up on site.
- 17 - 18 September – The first bridge will be removed and a new one will be installed. During this time the station will be closed. Buses will be in operation between Three Bridges Gatwick (for travel towards London or Brighton). Buses will be in operation between Three Bridges – Horsham for travel on the Arun Valley line in both directions for Portsmouth and Southampton services. Services from London to Brighton will be unaffected, however, they will not be stopping at Three Bridges.
- 24 - 25 September – The second bridge will be removed and a new one will be installed. A bus replacement service will be in operation as above.
- October 2011 - Summer 2012 – During this time we will be installing cladding to the subway walls, improving the flooring, installing new stairs to platform 5, relocating the ticket gates and completing the necessary drainage works. The subway will remain open, although some areas may be cordoned off.
Passengers can contact Network Rails 24-Hour National Helpline on 08457 11 41 41 if they have any further queries or concerns.
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