Media centre

Monday 4 Feb 2008

MOTHERWELL STATION TO BRIDGE ACCESSIBILITY GAP

Region & Route:

Scotland’s Railway: Scotland

A major investment in Motherwell Station is set to provide step-free access for passengers using Platform 4. The construction work, which begins this week, will involve the installation of a temporary footbridge between platforms 3 and 4, the dismantling of the existing permanent footbridge and the assembly of a new lift accessible bridge between the platforms. A new shelter will also be built on platform 4. The project, managed by Network Rail and funded by Transport Scotland, will ensure that all the platforms are easily accessible from the station entrance.

All major construction work will be carried out at night and at weekends in an effort to minimise disruption to passengers. While the majority of work will be unobtrusive, some of the activity will involve the use of saws and cranes. Completion of the work is anticipated by summer 2008. David Simpson, Network Rail Route Director for Scotland said: "We have seen a steady increase in passenger numbers through Motherwell station in recent years and it is an important hub for rail travel in North Lanarkshire. "We’re pleased that the funding has now been put in place to carry out these station improvements and we look forward to completing this work with the minimum of disruption to passengers." Transport Minister, Stewart Stevenson MSP said: "It is a key Scottish Government priority that access to transport links is made easier for all passengers. I am therefore pleased that this investment will bring valuable benefits and increase opportunities to travel through improved station access at Motherwell". Peter Williams, commercial director at First ScotRail commented: "This is good news for our customers using Motherwell Station. By working with industry partners to improve access and increase the convenience of travelling by train, I hope more people will be encouraged to choose rail travel as their preferred mode of transport." Platforms 1 and 2 at Motherwell station are already accessible to wheelchair bound passengers. This station improvement is part of a nationwide 'Access For All' programme, a £370m ring-fenced fund for station accessibility improvements under the Government’s ten-year "Railways for All" strategy. Station selection in Scotland is being prioritised by Transport Scotland. Other Scottish stations currently benefiting from the Access For All funding include; Barrhead, Kirkcaldy, Mount Florida and Rutherglen stations.