Media centre

Monday 22 Jul 2019

Last call for feedback on plans to upgrade Norwood Junction

Region & Route:

Southern

• Rail passengers and local residents are reminded they have until Friday 26 July 2019 to have their say on Network Rail proposals to upgrade Norwood Junction station.
• The plans will provide more frequent and reliable services, as well as a modern, accessible station fit for the 21st Century.

Over 200 people attended four drop-in events in June 2019 which gave local people and passengers the chance to view proposals and speak directly to the project team responsible for remodelling Norwood Junction station.

The proposals are a key part of Network Rail’s long-term plans to unblock the railway bottleneck in the Croydon area, to run more reliable and more frequent services on the Brighton Main Line and its branch lines.

Network Rail would remodel track and platforms at Norwood Junction to allow more trains to run through and stop at the station. Wider platforms would provide more space for passengers to wait for, board and get off trains. Platforms would also be lengthened to allow full length 12-car trains to stop and open all doors at the station.

The redevelopment would also provide the opportunity to build lifts, providing step-free access to all platforms for the first time, improving accessibility for those with reduced mobility, the elderly and those travelling with a pushchair or luggage.

John Halsall, managing director, Network Rail South East, said: “Our proposals for Norwood Junction station would benefit passengers as a standalone project, helping us run longer trains, more reliably and more frequently.

"However, if delivered together with proposals to rebuild East Croydon station and remodel the railway in Selhurst triangle, would remove the railway bottleneck at Croydon to transform reliability and capacity across the Brighton Main Line and its branches.

“I’d encourage local people and passengers to visit networkrail.co.uk/norwoodjunction before Friday 26 July to have your say."

Sarah Jones, Member of Parliament for Croydon Central, added: "Solving the Croydon bottleneck is crucial to helping our town grow and get us all from A to B.

I welcome this and hope the improvements to Norwood Junction will be a significant part of this.”

Steve Reed, Member of Parliament for Croydon North, said: “This is a great opportunity for people living locally to help decide how to make Norwood Junction station better for everyone. I urge people who use the station, or who want to see it improved and made more accessible, to share their views.”

Cllr Steve O’Connell, London Assembly Member for Croydon, said: “Norwood Junction is a key transport hub. Improving it, along with plans to remove the bottleneck on the railway in Croydon, is vital. At last we have the opportunity to unlock the transport potential of the area. I do hope people take the opportunity to help shape the future."

Stephen Miles, principal planner, Transport for London, said: "We have been working closely with Network Rail in developing plans for unblocking the Croydon bottleneck, and are very pleased to see these proposals to improve Norwood Junction form a key part of the wider scheme."

Govia Thameslink Railway infrastructure director Keith Jipps, said: “This scheme could make a massive difference to passengers, reducing delays and improving services.”

Stuart King, cabinet lead for environment and transport for Croydon Council, added: “Improving step-free access at Norwood Junction will help millions of passengers who use the station each year and we’re pleased to see Network Rail engaging with passengers and local people on these proposals.

“Helping prepare the station to deal with longer trains and possibly more frequent trains will benefit residents and passengers. Please get involved and share your views.”