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Tuesday 7 Jul 2009

AUDLEY END STATION TO BRIDGE ACCESSIBILITY GAP

Region & Route:

| Southern

A major investment at Audley End station is set to provide step-free access for passengers.

Network Rail is managing and delivering the improvements, which are being funded by the Department for Transport’s (DfT) £370 million "Access for All" fund.

The construction work, which begins this month, will involve the installation of a new footbridge with two new lifts and stairs to provide step-free access between the station entrance and platforms.

In addition to the lifts, which will include closed circuit television (CCTV) and telephone links, the station platforms will be resurfaced and fitted with tactile paving.

Network Rail route director, Patrick Hallgate, said: “When completed in spring 2010, these new facilities will make station and platform access much easier for all passengers, including people with disabilities, those carrying heavy luggage and parents with prams.

“We’re pleased that the funding has now been put in place to carry out these station improvements and we look forward to completing this work with the minimum of disruption to passengers.”

Paul Barnfield, Head of Customer Services West at National Express East Anglia, commented: “This is good news for our customers who use Audley End. By working with industry partners to improve access and increase the convenience of travelling by train, I hope more people will be encouraged to choose rail travel as their preferred mode of transport.”