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Thursday 22 Jul 2021

Network Rail is restoring access between platforms for passengers at Royston station next month

Region & Route:

Eastern

| Eastern: East Coast

Network Rail will install two temporary staircases at Royston station next month to save Great Northern and Thameslink passengers time switching between the two platforms while the footbridge is out of action.

The footbridge between platforms 1 and 2 temporarily closed in spring 2020. This followed an inspection of the bridge, which found serious defects in the structure. Major improvement work is required to make sure it remains fit for purpose for years to come.

Since the footbridge closed, Great Northern has had additional members of staff helping passengers use the lengthy diversion that takes them out and around the station, then over the adjacent road bridge.

Network Rail is creating a shortcut by installing temporary staircases from each platform direct to the road bridge above, which are expected to be in place for around one year. 

During this time, teams will be developing plans to restore direct access between the two platforms, as well as plans to improve accessibility at the station.

Paul Rutter, Route Director for Network Rail’s East Coast route, said: “We would like to thank passengers for their patience whilst the footbridge at Royston station is closed, and we apologise for any inconvenience. Our teams will be working as quickly as possible to provide this temporary route over the railway to connect passengers to the platforms.

“We are continuing to develop plans to improve accessibility for people using the station as well as making sure the existing footbridge can be used safely and reliably in future.”

Jenny Saunders, Customer Services Director for Great Northern and Thameslink, said: “These new temporary staircases will be welcomed by our customers at Royston station as they’ll save them having to walk quite so far to swap platforms.

“We’ll continue to work closely with Paul and his team at Network Rail to establish the best long-term solution, with an eye to improving accessibility.”

ENDS