Network Rail has announced plans to build a new £3.5m accessible footbridge at Royston in Hertfordshire to allow Thameslink and Great Northern passengers to change platforms more easily.

The original footbridge was closed in 2020 after Network Rail found serious problems with the structure. The new footbridge will provide a direct pathway between the two platforms, whilst two new lifts will provide a vital step-free route to make it easier for passengers, particularly those with limited mobility, luggage, pushchairs, or bikes, to use the station without needing to use Old North Road.

Construction of the new footbridge is due to start this spring and is due for completion by early 2023.

The new plans were announced at the station on Monday, 21st March, when representatives from Network Rail, Thameslink, and Great Northern were joined by Sir Oliver Heald, MP for North East Hertfordshire, who said: “I welcome this announcement which will greatly benefit Royston passengers, in particular families and those with limited mobility. It will be a huge improvement.”

Jonathan Ham, Lead Portfolio Manager for Network Rail, said: “People in Royston will no longer need to use a diversion to simply switch platforms at the station – and the new lifts will help everybody have the confidence to use the station independently.

“I’d like to thank passengers for bearing with us while we worked on these plans, and I’m looking forward to seeing the new bridge come to life this year.”

Tom Moran, Managing Director for Thameslink and Great Northern, said: “This is really great news for our customers at Royston and will open up the railway at this station to so many more people. Big projects such as this are a crucial part of our drive to create a more accessible and inclusive railway, where everyone has the confidence to travel no matter what their need for assistance.”