After many false starts, improvements to the subway at Gloucester station are set to start next Monday, 13th March, which will require the closure of the subway until late summer.

The subway improvements are part of a wider multi-million-pound station improvement project and include removing a blind corner in the subway, making it step-free so that it is fully accessible to all, and installation of better lighting and CCTV.

Whilst the subway is closed, an alternative walking route for members of the public will add about six minutes to the journey is available via Bruton Way, London Road, and Great Western Road.

The subway’s closure will have no effect on the station or its facilities, and the station car parks will be unaffected.

The project is the next phase in t a wider £6 million project to develop and improve the station. It is being jointly funded by GFirst LEP, Great Western Railway, Network Rail, Gloucestershire County Council, Gloucester City Council and the Department for Transport.

“As well as improving the subway, the project includes new road junctions and a new station entrance, whilst further work is planned for the station forecourt to support greener and more sustainable ways of travelling to the station, including upgrading access for pedestrians and buses.

Although the subway will be closed, rail customers including holders of Great Western Railway’s Pay As You Go smartcard will still be able to use the bridge between Platforms 2 and 4.

Chair of GFirst Local Enterprise Partnership, Ruth Dooley said: “It’s taken a long time to get to this point, but we are really excited now to see the final stages of the Station Improvement Project get underway. This phase will create a direct, accessible and safe route from the Gloucestershire Royal Hospital through to the transport hub and on to Kings Quarter and the City Centre, and is another important step in the ongoing regeneration of Gloucester.”

Richard Graham, MP for Gloucester, said: “After campaigning for this for over a decade I’m very pleased that work on the underpass starts next week and am sure changes will be a huge improvement.

“I’m also pleased that technology means local residents can use a smartcard to walk through the station for free. Do sign up now!”

Ben Scott, GWR Station Manager for Gloucester, said: “Working together we have been able to build on the previous investment and pave the way for further improvements. This would not have happened without the combined efforts of local government, national government, the rail industry and the local enterprise partnership.

“This is a perfect example of how working collaboratively can support the communities we serve to thrive.”
Robin Basu, Network Rail’s project sponsor, said: “We’re proud to be working with Gloucestershire County Council, Great Western Railway and other key partners to facilitate improvements to Gloucester station.

“Step-free access to the subway will mean that the station is accessible for travellers and give passengers more journey opportunities.

“Effective, accessible transport links are vital and we will continue to work with GWR and other partners to enhance and improve Gloucester station for all passengers.”

Details of how to apply for the smartcard, which ensures the best daily or weekly walk-on fare (calculated automatically) for rail users, and also allows access through the station are on Great Western Railway’s website at https://www.gwr.com/your-tickets/smart-tickets/payg.