Network Rail says that work is progressing well on a £4m project to provide step-free access at Anniesland station in Glasgow.
The infrastructure manager is set to install two new lifts at street level on Great Western Road as part of the project, which began in October.
Since then, engineers have made space and strengthened the foundations for the lift shafts by sheet piling – driving huge sheets of steel into the ground.
This helps make sure the railway bridge and the embankment are supported during the excavation work and once the lifts are installed.
It’s all part of the Access for All (AfA) programme to make accessing the platforms easier for those with impaired mobility and those travelling with luggage, children, or bicycles.
To allow for the work to be carried out safely, changes to station access routes have been made, including the installation of a temporary stairway from the church car park on Herschell Street to access platform 2.
In addition, the footpath underneath the railway bridge, parking bays, and the inside eastbound lane of Great Western Road are closed for the duration of the project.
Amanda Naughton, Scheme Project Manager for Network Rail, said: “We are pleased with how work is progressing at Anniesland station.
“Due to the proximity of the railway and platforms to the road, a traffic management system has been in place to allow our engineers to work safely and with enough room for the necessary equipment.
“We’re keeping station users and pedestrians safe by creating a safe walking route between platforms, for those who do not or cannot use the station footbridge. We urge everyone to continue to follow the signposts in place and adhere to this route.”
In recent weeks the Anniesland AfA project team have been able to inspect and approve the new linkspans – walkways from the platform to the lifts – for the next stages of production before the steel is installed.
The installation will be the next major milestone and it is expected to take place this summer.
More information will be made available on this in the coming weeks. Those living near the station will also continue to receive letters with information on key dates as the project progresses.
Amanda added: “While we understand our work to improve accessibility at Anniesland station has caused some inconvenience, we hope everyone living nearby and using the station is looking forward to the benefits that the new lifts will bring to the people of Anniesland and surrounding areas.
“We thank everyone for their continued patience and understanding.”
Anyone who would like to know more about the project can find the latest updates on Scotland’s Railway website Anniesland Access for All (scotlandsrailway.com)
