Network Rail has revealed it is making six stations on its Wales and Borders route fully accessible for the first time.
The six stations, Flint, Abergavenny, Cwmbran, Llanelli and Newtown stations are all set to get brand new footbridges with lifts.
Alongside the new footbridges and lifts at the six stations, Ludlow will also have a lift added to its existing footbridge.
Nick Millington, route director for Network Rail Wales & Borders, said: “We have already completed Access for All schemes at Cadoxton and Barry stations and are delighted that this funding has been made available for six more.
“Improved accessibility benefits everyone – whether that’s people with health conditions or limited mobility or people with children, heavy luggage or shopping. It also encourages more people to use public transport – that means fewer car journeys, less congestion and helps to cut carbon emissions.”
The benefits of step-free access are obvious, aiding people with limited mobility and passengers with heavy luggage or pushchairs and these improvements are being funded by the government’s Access for All scheme.
Rail Minister Huw Merriman said: “Passengers deserve an inclusive, accessible railway and it’s great to see these essential upgrades are getting under way thanks to funding from the UK Government’s Access for All programme.
“These improvements across Wales and Borders are testament to our ambition of ensuring everyone has equal access to our transport network.”
Work is due to start on Monday 16 October at Cwmbran, Llanelli and Ludlow, with Newtown, Flint and Abergavenny to follow in November and December.
Chief customer and culture officer for Transport for Wales Marie Daly said: “We’re committed to delivering excellent service for all our customers and these accessibility improvements will bring significant benefits for our passengers across the Wales and Borders network.
“It will allow more people to travel with confidence on TfW services and open up more destinations for everyone to enjoy.”
It is anticipated that all of the work will be completed by autumn 2024.
Alongside confirming the work, Network Rail also confirmed that Amco Giffen will be the contractor for the work at Flint, Newtown and Llanelli whilst Centregreat will carry out the project at Ludlow, Cwmbran and Abergavenny.
Photo Credit: Network Rail
