A major programme of improvements is gathering pace at stations across the west of England, making the railway more accessible for passengers and local communities.
At Weston-super-Mare, two new lifts are being added to the station’s Grade II-listed footbridge, providing step-free access between platforms for the first time. The historic footbridge first opened in 1884, with the new lifts due to open to passengers in autumn 2027. A community drop-in event for local residents to learn more about the project will take place next Wednesday 4 November from 4.30 to 6.30pm at Front Room Theatre, BS23 1FF.
Meanwhile, a new footbridge is taking shape at Lostwithiel on the Cornish Main Line, providing the town with its first permanent railway footbridge since the 1960s. Opening in summer 2027, it will replace the temporary bridge installed in 2024 and give passengers and pedestrians another way to cross the railway without using Grenville Road level crossing, where the barriers can be down for up to 22 minutes in an hour. The new bridge will also provide access to both station platforms.
Castle Cary, which will once again welcome thousands of passengers travelling to Glastonbury Festival next June, is set to benefit from a new accessible footbridge and lifts, with work expected to begin following the 2027 festival.
At Cheltenham, a new lift is planned for the northbound platform alongside a new accessible ramp for the southbound platform, improving step-free access across the station. The lift is due to open in spring 2028.
Accessibility improvements are also being made at Torquay station, including a 13-metre ramp between platforms one and two via Hennapyn Road. A waiting room and accessible toilet will be provided on the northbound platform, alongside changes to accessible parking and drop-off areas. The work forms part of the Government’s Access for All programme and is due to be completed in spring 2027.
Thomas Madgwick, lead portfolio manager for Network Rail’s Great Western route, said:
“We’re investing in stations right across the West to make the railway easier to use and accessible to more people.
“With new lifts, footbridges, ramps and improved passenger facilities being installed, these projects will make a real difference to people using our stations every day.
“They’re also important improvements for stations such as Castle Cary and Cheltenham, which welcome thousands of additional passengers for some of the region’s biggest events.
“There’s a lot of work happening across the region over the next couple of years and we’re looking forward to seeing passengers and communities benefit from it.”
Joe Graham, Business Assurance and Property Director for GWR, said:
“We want everyone to feel confident and comfortable using the railway and improving accessibility at stations is an important part of that.
“These upgrades will make a real difference for passengers, providing easier access and better facilities for people travelling across the region.
“We’re pleased to see this investment progressing at stations across the Great Western network and look forward to customers benefiting from these improvements.”
Image credit: Network Rail