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Monday 26 Jan 2004

HYDE CENTRAL STATION WELCOMES REFURBISHMENT

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Network Rail has invested a total of £411,000 into the successful construction of a modern, much safer and disability aware access staircase and platform retaining wall at Hyde Central station. The station was in desperate need of these modifications as the existing facilities were in a very poor condition. The new staircase was designed in accordance with the Disability Discrimination Act (DDA) requirements for disabled people. This meant it had to be extended to accommodate the additional landings required and continuous double handrails were also installed, again to comply with the DDA’s standards. The refurbishment, which was finished towards the end of last year, included a number of safety improvements such as anti slip treads installed to the stairs, landings and to the subway. To prevent the feeling of vertigo that passengers may experience due to the height of the stairs, the staircase has a 1.8m high railing and the gap between the infill bars was reduced. New anti vandal light fittings were installed and a new waiting shelter was built. Further structural improvements were made to the station’s retaining wall, which supports the elevated platform. This, along with the new reinforced steel pad foundations of the staircase, guarantee the long life of the improvements to Hyde Central station for many years to come.