MP and MSP mark completion of Port Glasgow accessibility project with station visit

Scotland’s Railway welcomed MP Ronnie Cowan and MSP Stuart McMillan back to Port Glasgow station on Friday 1 March.

The elected members were invited to discuss the successful delivery of a £5m project to improve accessibility at the station.

Work to provide step-free access at the station began last February and was carried out by Network Rail and main contractor STORY (on behalf of Scotland’s Railway).

Network Rail added that it is now easier for those with limited mobility or travelling with children, luggage, or cycles to move between the platforms.

Mr Cowan and Mr McMillan have received regular progress updates and met with the project team at major milestones throughout the project, including the installation of the new footbridge and lift towers and the official opening ceremony in December.

More recently, the old footbridge was removed during a series of planned closures on the Inverclyde line and the pair had the opportunity to discuss this latest transformation which marked the successful completion of the project.

Laura Craig, Scheme Project Manager for Network Rail, said: “It was great to welcome Mr Cowan and McMillan back to the station now that the main work is complete.

“Throughout the project, we’ve appreciated the opportunity to liaise with elected members, Inverclyde Council and Port Glasgow West Community Council who have all helped us make sure the community were kept well informed about the work taking place at the station.

“Thanks also to Transport Scotland, Department for Transport, ScotRail and SPT for their support in making this project complete on time and within budget.”

Ronnie Cowan, MP for Inverclyde, added: “This is a major boost for Port Glasgow and Inverclyde as a whole.

“A huge factor in getting people to use our railways is in making things easy and accessible.

“That means it should be easy for people with a disability or health issue, elderly people and mums and dads and even grandads like me juggling children’s buggies.

“The late SNP councillor Jim MacLeod lobbied for these improvements tirelessly as a champion of disability issues and these fantastic improvements at our station form a lasting legacy to Jim.

“I’d like to thank Network Rail and the contractors STORY for delivering this complex series of improvements with the absolute minimum of disruption.”

Stuart McMillan, MSP for Greenock and Inverclyde, commented: “I’m delighted to see the improvement works at Port Glasgow have been completed, providing step-free access throughout the station to ensure all local commuters can get the most out of Scotland’s railway.

“I want to thank Network Rail and all those involved in bringing this project to fruition – particularly the campaigning efforts of late Councillor Jim MacLeod and the Hurrell family.”

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