By autumn next year, Southern Rail passengers will be able to travel through Crowborough and East Grinstead stations step free for the first time thanks to new footbridges and lifts.

Work at these two stations by Network Rail is part of the Department for Transport‘s Access for All programme.

The station accessibility enhancements start this month and are due to be completed Autumn next year.

Crowborough will see an investment of £4.7m, and £4.6m at East Grinstead to make the stations easier to use with those with accessibility needs.

Partially sighted and blind travellers will also benefit from tactile paving, which will be installed near the edge of the platforms.

Safety and security at the stations will be also be improved with the installation of new CCTV cameras.

The new high quality designed lifts, stair structures and footbridges will match the station designs and neighbouring landscape.

Engineers will construct foundations on site whilst footbridges and lift shafts will be built off site and lifted into position by a crane, the old footbridges will also be removed during line closures.

Over the next five years, the Department for Transport’s Access for All programme will see £300m invested to make more accessibility improvements at stations.

Katie Frost, Sussex route director for Network Rail, said:

“We are committed to improving access for passengers and this vital work will make it much easier for people to move around Crowborough and East Grinstead stations.”

“Stations are important gateways to the communities they serve, and the new footbridges and lifts will help to improve connections within the community. Crucially we now have two stations that are more accessible for all passengers, whether they are wheelchairs users, have reduced mobility or just carrying luggage or pushchairs.”

“We have worked with local stakeholders and accessibility groups to find the best option for passengers, and we will minimise disruption as much as possible throughout the project.”

Anita Scaife, Southern’s area station manager, said:

“We’re on a journey of improvement to create a more accessible and inclusive railway, where everyone has the confidence to travel with us, no matter what their disability or need for assistance.”

“Step-free access to the platforms at Crowborough and East Grinstead will transform the experience of travelling by rail for many local people.”

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