A fully accessible footbridge which features lifts is now open for passengers at the North Lanarkshire station

A £3.1 million investment has brought improved accessibility to Croy station in North Lanarkshire with a brand new footbridge with lifts which opened on the 13th of October and now provides step-free access to all of its platforms. 

The project has been carried out by STORY for Network Rail and has seen the busy station’s accessibility transformed making it much easier for those with impaired mobility, travelling with luggage, children or cycles to make their way to the platforms.

The project at Croy station was funded using the Access for All Scheme as part of an ongoing investment for Scotland‘s Railway in order to increase accessibility at railway stations for those with mobility difficulties. Since 2006, the scheme has seen accessibility improvements made at 25 stations in Scotland and a further six due to be upgraded including Croy, Johnstone, Anniesland, Port Glasgow, Uddingston and Dumfries.

Liam Sumpter, Route Director, Network Rail Scotland said: “We are delighted to have completed this investment in Croy station and the new bridge will make the railway easily accessible to even more people in the local community.

“Scotland’s Railway is working closely with Transport Scotland to deliver access improvements at as many stations as possible so we can open up the network and create more travel choices for people across the country.”

Network Rail is committed to providing a greener and more efficient rail network and this project is a great example of working alongside the community and also in its best sustainability practices.

Croy station has also seen electric vehicle charging points in order to encourage the use of EVs over diesel or petrol-fuelled vehicles. The project has also seen recycled materials used including low-carbon concrete and reusing materials such as its metal fencing being refurbished. Volunteers have also given 200 hours of their time alongside the donation of approximately £400 of materials in order to see the renovation of a local charity space – Croy Community Hub.

Brian O’Hare, Contracts Manager for Story Scotland, said: “The team worked around the clock to complete the scheme to improve access at Croy station.

“Collectively we are proud to deliver such an important upgrade which gives residents and passengers the availability of new lifts and a footbridge, meaning that disabled and wheelchair users; the elderly; families with prams and pushchairs; and the many others who find it difficult to access the railway, will have a much safer and easier time now.

“In addition to the engineering works, we were also able to put our Story moto of ‘Doing It Right’ into action, working with the Croy Community Hub charity to refurbish their facility which supports the wellbeing of the local area.”