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Thursday 31 Aug 2023

Bridging the gap: Latest pictures show major milestone reached in improving accessibility at Bexley station in Kent

Region & Route:

Southern

| Southern: Kent

Network Rail has successfully installed the main bridge span connecting the two platforms at Bexley station, bringing the station closer to providing step-free access to both platforms.

The successful craning in of the bridge span follows the recent installation of the lifts and staircases. Other work that is taking place to improve accessibility and safety at the station include the widening of platform one to accommodate the lift on the platform as well as the installation of new CCTV cameras.

Work to improve accessibility at Bexley station began in February 2023 and is expected to be completed in late Spring 2024.

Once complete, this £6m programme of work will make it easier for passengers with impaired mobility or those travelling with luggage, children or bicycles to navigate their way around the station and provide step-free access to all of the station’s platforms.

This project is funded through the Department for Transport’s (DfT) ‘Access for All’ scheme, which was launched in 2006 to address the issues faced by disabled passengers and passengers with mobility restraints (such as heavy luggage or pushchairs) when using railway stations in Great Britain.

The funding is used to create an obstacle free, accessible route from the station entrance to the platforms. This generally includes providing lifts or ramps, as well as associated works and refurbishment along the route.

Hodan Hassan, Network Rail’s commercial scheme sponsor, said: “We’re always trying to do more for our passengers and we’re delighted to have reached this major milestone as part of the ‘Access for All’ scheme at Bexley station, which will provide step-free access to both platforms.

“Further follow up work will take place on 24 September where we’ll be removing the scaffolding around the staircases and lift shafts and work will continue through to early December when we’ll resurface platforms one and two.

“I’d like to thank passengers for their patience and understanding while we are making these important improvements to the accessibility of the station and I look forward to seeing the completion of this work in late Spring which will provide passengers with a fully accessible station.”