Network Rail confirms work to start on new footbridge at Powys station

Network Rail has announced that work will soon start to install the bridge which will mean both platforms will be fully accessible for the first time in the station's more than 155-year history.

Wheelchair users have long called for better disability access at the station in Powys' largest town which Network Rail has said is currently "not suitable for all rail passengers" and does not comply with legislation and rail standards.

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Passengers have been told that the station will remain open while two lift shafts, two stairways and a bridge which will be wide enough for two wheelchairs to pass each other are built on the western side of the station opposite the existing carpark.

Station users have been told that there will be fewer car parking spaces from September while an area of the carpark is fenced off to store building materials and machinery.

Much of the work will be carried out during daytime shifts (8am to 6pm) and overnight (10pm to 6am) at times when the railway is closed.

Network Rail aims to have the bridge open by summer 2024. Image: Network Rail (Image: Network Rail)

A Network Rail spokesperson said: “We will soon start work to upgrade Newtown station with the installation of a brand-new fully accessible footbridge and lifts. This project will mean platforms one and two at Newtown will be fully accessible for the first time. 

“These improvements are funded by the Department for Transport as part of the Access for All programme. Accessibility benefits everyone, it also promotes the use of the rail network and allows for fewer car journeys, less congestion and carbon emissions. 

“Our contractor AmcoGiffen will be setting up our site compound in September 2023. As part of our work, we will be fencing off an area of the car park to store materials and machinery. This will mean a reduced number of parking for passengers and we’re sorry for any inconvenience this may cause.

"Our team will be able to carry out much of this work during daytime shifts but will need to work overnight at times when the railway is closed.

“We will be working on-site for the rest of 2023 and hope to complete the project by summer 2024. Further information will be shared in the coming months when we reach different milestones during the project.

"Please note the station will remain open to passengers during the work.”

Network Rail was granted listed building consent for the project to go ahead at the Grade Two listed station in June.

The planning statement, said: "The design is of high quality and well considered to maximise the design life and operational value to the railway while enhancing the character and appearance of the listed building.”

Network Rail said that while there is step-free access into the station buildings, the existing arrangement to platform two requires a "significant" detour and poses a "significant obstruction to accessibility, and a health and safety risk to the railway”.

The station building, which was built in 1868 for the Cambrian Railway at a cost of £1,200, remains vacant and was last used as a ticketing office before it closed in 2020.