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Tuesday 10 Sep 2013

Easier access for passengers at Manchester Oxford Road

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Passengers will soon benefit from better access at Manchester Oxford Road station thanks to a £1.8m investment to provide new lifts and reopen a subway at the station.

The work is being carried out by Network Rail as part of the Access for All programme, funded by the Department for Transport, which aims to improve accessibility at the busiest railway stations.

Dyan Crowther, Network Rail route managing director commented: “These vital improvements in access to Manchester Oxford Road station will make life easier for everyone using the train, especially those with reduced mobility or with small children or heavy luggage. The project has been developed in conjunction with our key stakeholders and will equip Manchester Oxford Road station to handle the increasing numbers of passengers who are using it every day”.

Two new lifts providing access to the platforms will be installed and a disused subway will be refurbished and reopened to provide step-free access between the two lifts. New lighting will be installed in the subway together with closed circuit television and a passenger help point.

As part of the scheme a new emergency exit staircase will be built at the front of the station to create a new fire escape.

Lee Wasnidge, Area Director for Northern Rail added: "We are constantly striving to accommodate the needs of all our customers. The access improvements at Oxford Road will not only open up more travel opportunities at this busy station, but will also make moving around the station easier.”

Work at Oxford Road is expected to start later this month for completion early next year.

Rail Minister Norman Baker said: “Improvements like these make a real difference to those using the railways. Opening up access at stations and providing step-free routes gives all passengers, including those with disabilities and parents with young children, greater access to employment and social opportunities.

“And of course everyone feels the benefit of taking a train from stations with improved facilities and layout.”

Councillor Andrew Fender, Chair of the Transport for Greater Manchester Committee, said: “I’m delighted that work will start soon on making this busy city centre station easier to use for everyone. We are working closely with our rail industry partners to try and make all Greater Manchester rail stations as accessible as possible and this is a huge step in the right direction for Oxford Road.”