Media centre

Monday 16 Jan 2023

Warwick station accessibility improvements nearing lift-off

Region & Route:

North West & Central

| North West & Central: Central

Railway engineers are making final preparations ahead of major accessibility improvements for passengers at Warwick station.

A multi-million-pound investment by Network Rail will see two new lifts installed in the existing subway as part of the Government’s Access for All scheme.

They will provide step-free access for passengers using platforms 1 and 2 for the first time.

This will help people with reduced mobility, families with prams and those carrying heavy luggage.

Work will start in January 2023 and is expected to be complete by the end of the year.

For the engineers to install the lifts, the subway between platforms 1 and 2 will be closed from Friday 3 March.

This means a six-minute diversionary route will be in place for passengers moving between platforms.

From Monday 25 February, platform 1 will also be shortened so that work can take place safely while allowing trains to keep running.

However this will see one less train a day calling at Warwick - though those services will continue to call at Warwick Parkway and Leamington Spa.*

Because of these changes passengers are advised to plan their journeys in advance by using www.nationailrail.co.uk.

Some facilities at the station will also temporarily change while the important station upgrade takes place:

• A compound for engineers will be set up in the station car park, taking several parking spaces out of use
• The station’s customer toilets will also be temporarily relocated

To explain more about the exciting plans and how the work could impact people, Network Rail is inviting nearby residents and businesses to informal drop-in events at the ticket office on platform 1 at the station.

These will take place:

• On Tuesday 17 January between 8am and 10am
• On Thursday 19 January between 4pm and 6pm
• On Tuesday 24 January between 4pm and 6pm
• On Thursday 26 January between 8am and 10am

Elinor Weymouth, scheme project manager for Network Rail, said: “We’re looking forward to getting started on this important project for passengers in Warwick which will see step-free access between platforms 1 and 2 for the first time.

“There will be some local disruption during the multi-million-pound upgrade which is why we’ll be at the station to answer any questions local people may have over the next couple of weeks. I’d urge anyone living or working nearby to come along so we can explain in person how this important work is making journeys better for passengers.”

Network Rail is working closely with Chiltern Railways to cause the least possible disruption to passengers and the local community while work takes places throughout 2023.

Eleni Jordan, commercial & customer strategy director at Chiltern Railways, said: "We are delighted that the installation of lifts between platforms at Warwick station is about to begin. When this step-free access is installed, it will be a significant improvement to customer experience at the station. 

“Alongside Network Rail, we are committed to engaging with local stakeholders and the wider community, ensuring they are aware of the short-term disruption they may experience while we complete these important accessibility improvements. All customers are welcome to join the drop-in sessions advertised to find out more."

Passengers are advised to check their journey during the work at Warwick station by using www.nationalrail.co.uk.