Network Rail has begun construction of a new footbridge and lifts at Bexley station in south east London, which will provide passengers with a fully accessible station.

This project is funded through the Department for Transport‘s (DfT) ‘Access for All’ scheme, which has also funded similar improvements at other stations. The work at Bexley is expected to be completed in late spring 2024 and will ensure there is step-free access to all the station’s platforms.

Network Rail will work with contractors BAM Nuttall to install two sixteen-person capacity lifts located behind the existing subway which will help passengers with impaired mobility or those travelling with luggage, children or cycles to access the platforms.

Platform one will be widened to create space for the lifts and allow passengers to navigate through the station more easily. A new footbridge will be built to allow passengers easily get from one side of the platform to the other.

There will be a partial closure of some spaces in the car park, to facilitate the site compound and working areas during the construction phase. There will also be 36 season ticket spaces suspended until the end of December 2023. Pedestrian access into and around the car parks and one-way systems will not be affected.

Bexley station will remain open to passengers throughout the work and rail services will not be affected.

Fiona Taylor, Network Rail’s Kent route director, said: “We’re delighted to have started work on the new ‘Access for All’ scheme at Bexley station, providing step-free access to both platforms and to give passengers even more journey opportunities.

“We would like to thank passengers and local residents for their patience and understanding whilst we carry out the work.”

David Wornham, passenger services director for Southeastern, said: “We’re always trying to do more for our customers, and with this funding from the Department for Transport, Network Rail will be able to significantly improve access around the station as well as measures to make our customers and colleagues safer.”