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Friday 29 Sep 2023

Network Rail reveals plans to provide step-free access at Uddingston station

Region & Route:

Scotland’s Railway: Scotland

Network Rail plans to improve accessibility for passengers at Uddingston station by constructing a new footbridge and lift system.

The new footbridge will be accessed by a staircase and lift shaft at each end, making it easier for people with impaired mobility or those travelling with luggage, children, or bicycles to access the platforms.

It will be an uncovered footbridge made of steel and is to be located approximately 25m to the west of the existing footbridge, which will be removed after the new one is installed.

These works are supported by the government's Access for All scheme, with Transport Scotland, on behalf of the Department for Transport, identifying the station as one that would benefit from the funding. 

Michael McArthur, Network Rail’s project manager for the accessibility work, said: “The new footbridge and lifts being installed at the station deliver modern standards of access for those travelling to or from Uddingston.

“Our proposals will help everyone in the community access services at Uddingston station easily and will improve the travelling experience for passengers as part of our efforts to enable even more people to travel by train.

“Delivering step-free access at stations to open up our network is one important way in which we are improving the overall experience of travelling on Scotland’s railway”.

Network Rail submitted an application for prior approval for the work to South Lanarkshire Council, which included a letter stating careful consideration has been made regarding the positioning, construction, and design of the structure and of the impact on parking during construction.

Network Rail outlined that while other options had been looked at, the proposed structure has a smaller footprint on the station platform, resulting in a shorter route for passengers.

Work on this project is expected to commence in November 2023 and be completed within a year. Those living near the station will receive letters outlining key dates and milestones throughout the project.

Prior to the project commencing, Network Rail will seek to host an information event to offer those interested the chance to ask questions directly to members of the project team. Details of this will be made available in the coming weeks.