A £5 million project to improve accessibility at Port Glasgow Train Station is set to get underway next month.
Network Rail will work alongside principal contractor, STORY, to install a new footbridge and lifts, with uncovered ramped access to the main station entrance at Princes Street also being introduced.
It comes in a bid to ensure the station is designed to make it easier for people with impaired mobility or those travelling with luggage, children, or bicycles to access the platforms.
The new footbridge, positioned opposite the car park and uncovered ramped access of Willison’s Lane, will incorporate two accesses leading to and from the park and ride car park located off Highholm Avenue.
Once complete, Network Rail said that the footbridge will take station users from the entrance, over the railway, with lifts providing step-free access to and from the Gourock bound platform, and the park and ride car park.
Preparatory work on the access for all (AfA) scheme is set to start in February with the construction of the bridge expected to begin in May, the organisation added. Installation of the bridge and lifts is scheduled to be completed in towards the end of the year.
Michael McArthur, Network Rail’s project manager for the accessibility work, said, “The bridge being built at the station delivers modern standards of access for those travelling to or from Port Glasgow on a day-to-day basis and will improve the travelling experience for passengers.
“The new bridge and lifts will help everyone in the community access services at Port Glasgow station easily as part of our efforts to enable even more people to travel by train.
“Delivering step-free access at stations to open up our network is one important way in which we are improving the overall experience of travelling on Scotland’s railway”.
The project has been funded by the AfA scheme, with contributions from Inverclyde Council.
Councillor Michael McCormick, Inverclyde Council’s convener of environment and regeneration, added, “This is an important development to help make Port Glasgow Railway Station more accessible, particularly for wheelchair users, people with mobility issues, and families with prams.
“It is the busiest railway station in Inverclyde so should be fit for purpose for everyone who uses it, whether that is commuters or visitors arriving here to discover what Port Glasgow and Inverclyde has to offer.
“I’m delighted that the council is working alongside Network Rail and partners to deliver this substantial infrastructure project that will be of huge benefit to the people of Port Glasgow and wider Inverclyde.”
Ahead of works commencing, members of Network Rail’s project team will be attending Port Glasgow West Community Council’s next public meeting on January 30 at 7pm to provide an information session.
Tommy Rodger, secretary of Port Glasgow West Community Council, said, “On behalf of people with mobility challenges, our Port Glasgow West Community Council welcomes Network Rail’s plans to build a bridge that will provide access to both platforms within the station for all passengers.”
