Media centre

Tuesday 7 Aug 2018

Project to improve accessibility at West Yorkshire station begins this week

Region & Route:

| Eastern

Network Rail will begin work to improve accessibility at Hebden Bridge station on Friday, 10 August as part of the Great North Rail Project and Access for All programme.

The project, due to complete in early 2019, will see two lifts installed on platforms one and two, as well as work to resurface the walkway at the front of the station, making it easier for those with additional access needs.

The work is the latest in a wide range of improvements at the station which are being carried out by Network Rail, Northern and The West Yorkshire Combined Authority and follows on from a project to extend platform one and two to accommodate newer and longer trains which will call at the station. The platform extension also saw tactile paving installed.

In addition to these improvements, there will also be upgrades to track and signalling and the creation of a further 46 car parking spaces. 

Rob McIntosh, Route Managing Director at Network Rail, said: “This project is the latest stage of improvements at Hebden Bridge station and is vitally important. The work will improve access at the station, making moving around the station and using train services easier for those with additional access needs.

“We look forward to the work completing and seeing station users reaping the benefits.”

Cllr Kim Groves, Chair of the West Yorkshire Combined Authority Transport Committee, said: “I am pleased that this work at Hebden Bridge station, to pave the way for longer trains and provide step-free access for all passengers is underway.

“Adding a further 46 spaces to the station’s car park will be the latest in the Combined Authority’s programme of West Yorkshire-plus Transport Fund rail station car park extensions designed to help connect local people to jobs, service, education and leisure opportunities as well as reducing congestion and air pollution in town and city centres.”

Work will also take place to improve accessibility at Headingley station, which see two new lifts installed, as well as wayfinding signs. This project will begin in October.

The Access for All Programme 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