Monday 18 Oct 2010
CHEADLE HULME RAIL PASSENGERS GIVEN A LIFT
- Region & Route:
Network Rail has confirmed that work to install three new lifts linked to a new footbridge, plus new staircases, will start at Cheadle Hulme station on 25 October.
C Spencer Ltd has been appointed to carry out the work, which is expected to take about eight months to complete.
Local residents are being briefed on the work by Network Rail who will address the Cheadle Rail Users Group on 29 October. There will also be a ‘meet the manager’ opportunity at the station where both Network Rail and Northern will be on hand to answer passengers’ questions. The date for this will be publicised on the station in due course.
Jo Kaye, Network Rail’s route director said: “The station straddles a junction where two of the busiest rail routes in Cheshire converge on their way into Manchester.
“It was built at a time when people with any form of disability tended not to travel and the fact that the platforms sit high on an embankment, some eight metres above road level, added to the situation.
“I am pleased to say that times have changed and these new facilities will make it easier for everyone, irrespective of their mobility, to use the station.”
Lee Wasnidge, area director Northern Rail, said: “It’s great news that work is starting on this important scheme at Cheadle Hulme station. The improvements will make a real difference to all our passengers. The lifts will provide a much easier start and finish to journeys for customers with mobility difficulties and those with luggage or children in pushchairs.”
The station will remain open throughout the work, which is expected to be completed next summer and is being funded under the Department for Transport’s ‘Access for All’ programme.
Notes to editors
“Access for All” is a UK-wide, £370m ring-fenced fund for station accessibility improvements under the Government’s ten-year “Railways for All” strategy.
- A brick lift tower will be built on Platform four, the southbound platform. There will be a small flight of steps leading up from the car park entrance/exit directly onto the platform, but disabled people and those with luggage or children in buggies can take the lift to the platform.
- The lift will then continue to an upper level where an over-bridge will be constructed across all four railway tracks, with lifts to/from the remaining platforms. There will also be staircases to the over-bridge from all platforms.
- The lower portion of the over-bridge will be solid steel, while the upper part will partially glazed around the area of each lift entrance. The remainder will be enclosed in mesh to prevent objects being thrown onto the railway below.
- The over-bridge roof will be made of aluminium and the floor will be covered in slip resistant tiles. The treads on the stairs will be dark grey with contrasting white leading edges, except for the first and last treads which will have yellow edges.
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