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Tuesday 16 May 2023

Step-free access coming to Plumstead station in south east London which serves Southeastern passengers

Region & Route:

Southern

| Southern: Kent

Passengers will soon benefit from step-free access at Plumstead station as Network Rail starts work on two new lifts.

Network Rail is working with Southeastern and BAM Nuttall to install two new 16-person capacity lifts to help passengers with impaired mobility or people travelling with luggage, children, or bicycles to easily access the platforms.

The £4.6m project, funded by the Department for Transport’s (DfT) ‘Access for All’ scheme, will also include the installation of extra CCTV cameras.

Network Rail’s team of engineers started work earlier this month and are expecting the lifts to be completed and open to passengers in spring 2024.

The improvements at Plumstead station are part of a wider scheme of upgrades to a number of stations across Network Rail’s Southern region, helping make the railway more accessible for all.

Hodan Hassan, Network Rail’s commercial scheme sponsor, said: “We’re really pleased to be carrying out another project to continue making the railway more accessible for passengers. This is a key commitment for us at Network Rail and we’re glad to see this project get underway.

“Throughout the works we will work closely with our partners at Southeastern, the Royal Borough of Greenwich Council and the local community to ensure we minimise any disruption to passengers and local residents.

“Plumstead station will remain open to passengers throughout the work and rail services will not be affected.”

Kevin Warn, Southeastern's area manager, said: “We know that our customers will be keenly awaiting the completion of these improvements, and so we’re delighted that Network Rail has started this work to make journeys easier for everyone who uses the railway."

Cllr Averil Lekau, Cabinet Member for climate change, environment and transport at the Royal Borough of Greenwich, said: “This investment in Plumstead station will significantly improve access for the local community, making life easier for people who have disabilities, or a pram or a bike, to use the station. I’m delighted to see work getting underway. This will also complement improvements we’re planning around Plumstead station, which aim to make it easier, safer and more attractive for people walking and cycling.”