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Friday 30 Aug 2024

Where there’s a Walton there’s a way - new lifts and bridge make Walton-on-Thames station accessible

Region & Route:

Southern: Wessex

| Southern

Passengers with impaired mobility or those travelling with luggage, children or bicycles can now benefit from step-free access at Walton-on-Thames station after Network Rail completed accessibility upgrades.

This £6m programme of work began in September 2022 and has included a range of improvements including a new bridge, lifts and staircases, plus the widening of platform one and new CCTV cameras to provide extra security.

These improvements were formally opened at a special event at the station on 30 August with Network Rail’s Wessex Route Director Mark Goodall, South Western Railway’s Projects and Change Director, Alex Foulds, Octavius’ James Mendis, Monica Harding MP and Cllr Steve Bax, Deputy Mayor of Elmbridge.

These improvements have been funded by the Department for Transport’s (DfT) ‘Access for All’ scheme, which is used to create an obstacle free, accessible route from the station entrance to the platforms. This generally includes providing lifts or ramps, as well as associated works and refurbishment along the route.

Walton-on-Thames follows Isleworth station in becoming the latest step free station on Network Rail’s Wessex route, with more accessibility upgrades expected to be completed this year at four more stations - Stoneleigh, Motspur Park, Barnes and Teddington

Walton-on-Thames first opened in 1838 and in 2022/23 saw 2.035million passengers use the station*. The station sits on the southern boundary of Walton and on the northern boundary of Hersham.

Mark Goodall, Network Rail’s Wessex Route Director, said: “We are delighted to add Walton-on-Thames to the growing list of step free stations, as part of the ‘Access for All’ scheme.

“It’s critical we make the railway as accessible as possible as we continue to welcome back and encourage more people to use the railway as their main choice of sustainable travel. Improving the ease and accessibility of our stations plays an important role in supporting this ambition.

“I’d like to thank passengers and the nearby local community for their patience while we completed these important upgrades and I look forward to welcoming them to this greatly improved and accessible station.”

Alex Foulds, Projects and Change Director at South Western Railway, commented: “We are very pleased that, for the first time since the station opened in 1838, customers will benefit from step-free access at Walton-on-Thames.

“As we have seen at other stations across our network that have benefited from Access for All schemes, these new footbridges and lifts will make a big difference to our customers and the local community, and we look forward to similar projects finishing at Stoneleigh, Motspur Park, Barnes and Teddington.”

Monica Harding, MP for Esher and Walton, said: "This is a fantastic addition to Walton on Thames and will be of huge benefit to all those who live and work here and use the train.

Improving our stations and accessibility comes up frequently among my constituents and has been a priority for me since taking office.  I have already met with Network Rail and South Western Railway about these issues since being elected on July 4^th and I am looking forward to working with them for further improvements throughout the constituency.

I'm delighted that Walton-on-Thames railway station now has step free access and know that this will give many more people the confidence to travel independently on the train, whilst reducing traffic congestion and carbon emissions locally.”

Lawrence Houghton, Rail Framework Director at Octavius Infrastructure said: “Octavius is proud to have completed the Walton on Thames Access for All (AfA) project alongside Network Rail, South Western Railway, local stakeholders, and our supply chain partners. This project has made Walton on Thames station more accessible and user-friendly, significantly benefiting the community with step-free access and improved passenger convenience.

“The project, as part of a contestability initiative, allowed us to leverage our AfA expertise, rethinking conventional construction methods, and incorporating valuable lessons learned over the years. Our team maximised efficiencies in the design, including the footbridge and lifts, ensuring a high-quality outcome. Key successes include a roofless bridge with provisions for future expansion and an upgraded power supply.

“A standout achievement was installing the main superstructure over a weekend to minimise disruption to local neighbours, using a mobile crane for the steel footbridge and pre-clad lift shafts. This was a great success and required meticulous planning with local authorities, neighbours, and supply chain partners.

“As a prominent transport solutions provider committed to Bringing People Together, Octavius is honoured to have contributed to this vision at Walton on Thames.”

Councillor Steve Bax, Deputy Mayor, Elmbridge Borough Council said: “As a council we have a key enabling role to play in building a more equal borough and as such are happy to support the accessibility increase at Walton-on-Thames train station. Through our Equality, Diversity and Inclusion Strategy we have outlined our aspirations and commitment towards reducing inequality throughout all our communities across Elmbridge and it’s great that Network Rail share this commitment.”