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Tuesday 17 Nov 2009

NEW LIFTS AT TWYFORD STATION PROVIDE ACCESS FOR ALL

Region & Route:

| Southern

A multimillion-pound scheme to improve access at Twyford station is now complete following the official opening of a new footbridge and passenger lifts by Theresa May MP.

The £3.6m project saw the construction of a new footbridge, complete with three new lifts and stairs, making access between the station entrance, ticket office and all five platforms much easier for everyone, particularly people with reduced mobility. Each lift accommodates up to 16 people and is fitted with closed-circuit television and telephone links.

Importantly, Network Rail designed and built the new footbridge in a way that allows for the future electrification of the Great Western main line, providing the clearance needed for overhead power lines to pass safely underneath.

Theresa May commented: “Twyford is a key station for London and Reading bound commuters. I’m delighted that these essential improvements are now open and providing passengers with step-free access around the station. It will make a real difference to all passengers, from people with disabilities to those carrying heavy luggage and parents with pushchairs.”

Chris Rayner, Network Rail route director, said: “Network Rail is committed to providing facilities which make rail use easier, safer and more accessible for everyone, including people with disabilities and those with heavy luggage or small children.

“We’re extremely pleased to have completed a major construction project like this without any disruption to rail services or station access. The impressive new footbridge and its facilities mean that the station is fit to serve passengers now and into the future.”

First Great Western’s Head of Stations, Mark Heffernan, said: “The completion of this scheme is a real benefit for our customers travelling to or from Twyford and those changing at Twyford into our popular branch line service to Henley on Thames.

“Safety and our customers are our first priorities. The installation of this bridge creates step free access across the station which is great for our existing customers and creates easier travel opportunities for potential customers with disabilities who may wish to travel to or from Twyford in the future.”  

Station Manager for the area, Andrew Dickinson, said: "This is a huge improvement to the facilites at Twyford and will ensure everyone has access to the station. Regardless of disability or if they are carrying things like luggage and baby buggies, the lifts make the station far more accessible to all our customers."

Network Rail managed and delivered the improvements, which were funded by the Department for Transport’s £370m Access for All fund.