Media centre

Monday 4 Oct 2010

WORKS STARTS TO MAKE BLACKHEATH STATION MORE ACCESSIBLE FOR EVERYONE

Region & Route:

| Southern

Construction work will start at Blackheath station on Monday 11 October to provide passengers with step-free access between the station entrance and the platforms, making the railway more accessible for everyone.

The project, which is part of the Access for All scheme, includes the installation of a new lift with CCTV and telephone links, and a new staircase to platform 1 which serves London-bound trains.  A new gate will also be installed to reopen the existing access point to platform 2 which serves trains towards Kent.

The work will be completed by next Spring.

Dave Ward, Network Rail’s route director for Kent, said: “Passengers in Blackheath rely on rail for 2.7m journeys every year.  Once completed, this investment will make a big difference for the community and businesses in the area. The station will be easier to use, safer and more accessible for all passengers, especially those with reduced mobility, small children or heavy luggage.”

Vince Lucas, service delivery director, Southeastern, added: “The improvements to Blackheath will further enhance the experience of using our trains from this station. Blackheath is a busy station and this will be a real benefit for the local community as it has at other stations which have benefited from similar improvements. We are committed to making use of the railways as easy as possible and this is just another vital part in achieving this.”

The work has been planned to keep disruption for passengers and the community to a minimum.  These measures include the installation of a temporary footbridge to allow passenger access to platform 1 throughout the work.

Network Rail, with the support of Southeastern, is managing and delivering the accessibility improvements, which are being funded through the Department for Transport's (DfT) £370m Access for All scheme.