Barnt Green station access improvements nearing lift-off

Preparation for work to provide step-free access to trains at Barnt Green station will get underway next week.

Network Rail will start on-site preparations from Monday (3 February) which will be a catalyst for major work to start in spring to build lifts on to the existing footbridge which links all four platforms.

The £7.5m investment, which is expected to be completed in autumn this year, will see three lifts constructed to provide step-free access to all trains for the first time. This will help all passengers, including those with reduced mobility, pushchairs, or heavy luggage, easily access all services to and from the station.

The preparation phase will involve creating a site compound, bringing in materials and machinery and carrying out ground surveys across the station. Some sections of platforms 1 and 2 will need to be sectioned off so work can take place safely but there will be no restriction to getting on and off trains.

Car parking facilities will need to be reduced to accommodate the site compound but temporary disabled parking spaces will be created. Network Rail is working closely with West Midlands Railway to cause the least possible disruption to passengers and the local community while work takes place.

Neil Gaskin, programme manager for Network Rail Central route, said: ““We know step-free access is eagerly awaited by the local community and we’re pleased to be getting started on this really important upgrade which will make journeys to and from the station much easier.

“There will be some changes in and around the station while we carry out the work and I am grateful for people’s patience. I am confident these short-term changes will be far outweighed by the long-term benefits this work will provide.”

Jonny Wiseman, customer experience director at West Midlands Railway, said: “Improving accessibility at our stations is a key priority for us, so we are pleased to support Network Rail as these vital works begin. The three new lifts will be a gamechanger for many of our passengers, offering step free access to all platforms for the first time.

“Nearly 300,000 journeys are made to and from Barnt Green each year, and with the recent introduction of our new trains on the Cross City line, we’re committed to improving the passenger experience from Barnt Green for all.”

Because of the changes at the station passengers are advised to allow plenty of time for their journey and check www.nationalrail.co.uk for the latest travel updates.