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Thursday 9 Nov 2023

One step closer: major milestone reached in improving accessibility at Theale station

Region & Route:

Wales & Western: Western

| Wales & Western

Network Rail and contractors AmcoGiffen have reached a key milestone in work to upgrade Theale station in West Berkshire, after a new footbridge was successfully installed.

Work is also ongoing to complete new lifts, with the facilities set to be available for passengers in spring 2024. When complete, Theale station will be fully accessible for the first time with step-free access available to all platforms.

Lift experts Stannah need to carry out further testing to ensure the new lifts are safe for passengers and electrical work also needs to take place to complete the project, which is part of the Department for Transport’s Access for All scheme.

For those who wish to learn more about the continuing work, Network Rail will be meeting passengers at Theale station on Tuesday 14 November from 4.30-6.30pm.

Network Rail’s lead portfolio manager Deborah Elliott said: “We’re determined to enable as many people as possible to use the railway and the Access for All scheme allows this to happen.

“It’s great to have the new footbridge in place however we still have hard work ahead of us to complete the project.

“We’re sorry for the disruption while work continues, however once this is complete, Theale station will be safer and easier to use than ever before.”

GWR station manager Tom Butler said: "We know how important it is for our customers to improve accessibility at Theale station, and it is fantastic that this significant milestone has been reached.

"We're really looking forward to when the lifts can be brought into public use, allowing everyone to benefit from all that rail has to offer."

AmcoGiffen’s project manager, Ben Krawiec said: “AmcoGiffen is delighted to carry out this work on behalf of Network Rail and pleased to reach this latest landmark stage.

“This is a fantastic project that will provide enhanced facilities and accessibility for all passengers.

“We’ve worked diligently to keep disruption to a minimum while working safely and on schedule to deliver these improvements and will continue to do so as we near completion.”