Network Rail has completed construction of a new footbridge and lifts between the station platforms along with the installation of platform edge tactile paving and upgrades to the station power supply.
This work is part of the Department for Transport funded Access for All programme which aims to provide obstacle free, accessible routes to and between platforms. More than £300m has been secured to continue with the Access for All Programme over the next five years.
Key efficiencies were gained through re-designing the footbridge to reduce the amount of steelwork required and avoid needing to re-locate the taxi building.
Engineers carefully considered the station user when planning works to ensure minimum disruption. A temporary scaffold footbridge was also installed to access the far platform, which removed the need for construction workers to use the public station footbridge.
Public drop in sessions were held at the start of the works to inform passengers and progress updates were issued through station posters and project information boards.
Good relationships were maintained with local community groups – Friends of Farthing Downs and Happy Valley, who kept the local community updated on progress. Flower beds were also created to enhance the look of the station footbridge and lifts are now open to the benefit of all station users.
Accessibility Minister Chris Heaton-Harris said: “Our Access for All programme is proving that government investment is making a real difference and improving people’s lives.
“The new lifts and bridge will give more people confidence to travel by train, especially disabled people and those with pushchairs or heavy baggage.”
Shaun King, Sussex route director for Network Rail, said: “We are continuously seeking opportunities to make stations more accessible and the new footbridge at Coulsdon South will help ensure that everyone in the community has the opportunity to easily access train services.
“These improvements are a vital aspect of our strategy to provide a safe, reliable and efficient railway.”
Chris Fowler, Customer Services Director for Southern and Gatwick Express, said: “We are committed to making our services safe and available to everyone, so on behalf of our customers, we are delighted to welcome this great move forward for step-free access at Coulsdon South.”
Jonathon Griffith, a member of Southern’s Accessibility Advisory Panel who travels daily between Coulsdon South and central London, said: “The new lift at Coulsdon South is a much-needed and welcome improvement to the Southern network for me as a wheelchair user. Its arrival has given me far more freedom to access London, the South of England and beyond and is saving me five hours a week in travelling time.”
Photo credit: Network Rail
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