Media centre

Tuesday 2 Oct 2018

Project to improve accessibility at Lincolnshire railway station begins next week

Region & Route:

| Eastern

Network Rail will begin work to improve accessibility at Scunthorpe railway station on Monday, 8 October.

The project is being carried out by Network Rail, TransPennine Express and the Department for Transport. The project is funded by the Department for Transport’s Access for All programme, the upgrades contribute to the Great North Rail Project, a multi-billion pound package of improvements for customers across the north of England.

This vital upgrade will see the installation of a new footbridge, as well as two lifts, which will create an accessible route from the station entrance to the platforms. Work will also take place to upgrade the CCTV system and install new cameras, lights, way finding signs and to update the PA system. 

Accessibility Minister Nusrat Ghani said: “The upgrade work taking place at Scunthorpe underlines our commitment to improving accessibility for passengers on stations across the network, as part of our Access for All initiative.

“We are making £300 million in funding available from next April for upgrade work across the network, an important step in achieving a genuinely inclusive transport network that meets the needs of all people, able-bodied and disabled.

“By 2030 we want to see equal access for disabled people using our transport networks and for everyone to be able to travel confidently, easily and without extra cost.”

Rob McIntosh, Route Managing Director for Network Rail, said: “This project is absolutely vital to improve passenger experience at the station and will provide step-free access to the platforms for those who need it, making moving around the station and using train services easier.

“We are working closely with both TransPennine Express and the Department for Transport on this project and we look forward to passengers reaping the benefits.”

Kathryn O’Brien, Customer Experience Director for TransPennine Express, commented: “The new footbridge and two new lifts will be of huge benefit to those using Scunthorpe station.

“It is so important that our stations are accessible to all and I’m sure that customers will welcome these improvements.”

Network Rail is holding a public information event tomorrow (Wednesday, 3 October) at the railway station in the platform 2 waiting room between 16:00 and 18:00.

The project will complete in March, 2019 and is part of the Access for All Programme, which is delivered by Network Rail and funded by the Department for Transport. As a result of investment through this programme, more than 75% of rail journeys will be through step-free stations by 2019.

ENDS