Work is under way on a £1m scheme to make Chippenham train station fully accessible.
Contractors are building a lift on the north side of the station, meaning there will be step-free access to all platforms. The staircase on the northern side of the footbridge, which also acts as a public right of way, will also be turned so it no longer feeds directly onto the road.
The scheme is being delivered by Great Western Railway (GWR) on behalf of Wiltshire Council and will include extra disabled car parking and more cycle spaces, too.
The footbridge has temporarily closed to allow work to go ahead and will reopen in the spring. The alternative walking route for non-rail users will be via Union Road, New Road and Station Hill.
Rail users will be able to access the station-only footbridge from the car park on the north side of the station, which will remain open during the works, or from the main station entrance on the south side via the existing lifts and footbridge.
GWR development manager Luke Chard said: “This is the next stage in our planned improvements for Chippenham station. It will mean a more welcoming, safer environment and a fully accessible station.
“Turning the staircase also means we will be able to create a safer entrance and exit for anyone using the public right of way.”
Wiltshire Council member for transport, Cllr Dr Mark McClelland, said the plans complemented the near £2m package of transport measures completed by the council to improve pedestrian and cyclist access to the station.
“Our aspiration is to have well-connected communities that enable local communities to live, work and play locally, so these continued improvements at the station fully supports this aim,” he said.
Swindon and Wiltshire LEP chief executive, Paddy Bradley, added: “This very welcome project brings together the elements of the station improvements, ultimately assisting the long-term development of Chippenham and its economy.”
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