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Wednesday 27 Jan 2010

STATION REVAMP REVEALED

Region & Route:

Network Rail has published details of a major revamp at Cheadle Hulme station that will provide step-free access under the Department for Transport’s Access for All programme.

The plans, which have been submitted Stockport Borough Council for approval, include direct access from the station car park onto platform four, and lifts and an over-bridge serving all platforms.

Network Rail route director Jo Kaye said: “The plans we have submitted will transform the station, making it much easier for everyone to use. This in turn will lead to people using the train that might previously have been deterred by the lack of suitable access, so the local community, train operator Northern and ourselves will all benefit from the work.”

The station, which is operated Northern Rail, straddles the junction where the railway line splits to go towards Wilmslow/Crewe and Macclesfield/Stoke and has an island platform and two outer platforms. At present, there is only stepped access up to the platforms, which are situated eight metres above the road level.

A brick lift tower will be built on platform four, the southbound platform. There will be a small flight of steps leading up from the car park entrance/exit directly onto the platform, but disabled people and those with luggage or children in buggies can take the lift to the platform.

The lift will then continue to an upper level where an over-bridge will be constructed across all four railway tracks, with lifts to/from the remaining platforms. There will also be staircases to the over-bridge from all platforms.

The lower portion of the over-bridge will be solid steel, while the upper part will partially glazed around the area of each lift entrance. The remainder will be enclosed in mesh to prevent objects being thrown onto the railway below.

The over-bridge roof will be made of aluminium and the floor will be covered in slip resistant tiles. The treads on the stairs will be dark grey with contrasting white leading edges, except for the first and last treads which will have yellow edges.

Once planning permission is granted, a contractor could be appointed around Easter and detailed design work would then start. The on site work is expected to start in the autumn, with completion early in 2011.