Network Rail has begun installing two new lifts that will bring step-free access to Plumstead station in south east London.

The two new lifts will carry up to sixteen people each, and will passengers with impaired mobility or travelling with luggage, children or bicycles to easily access the platforms.

Network Rail is working with Southeastern and BAM Nuttall on the £4.6m project, which is funded by the Department for Transport’s (DfT) ‘Access for All’ scheme, and also includes the installation of extra CCTV cameras.

Access for All has funded step-free access at over two hundred stations since its inception seventeen years ago in 2006, but this remains a small minority of the network’s stations.

Network Rail’s engineers started work earlier this month and expect the lifts to be completed and open to passengers in spring 2024.

The Plumstead station improvements are part of a wider scheme of upgrades to some stations in Network Rail’s Southern region, helping make the railway more accessible.

Hodan Hassan, Network Rail’s commercial scheme sponsor, said: “We’re really pleased to be carrying out another project to continue making the railway more accessible for passengers. This is a key commitment for us at Network Rail and we’re glad to see this project get underway.

“Throughout the works we will work closely with our partners at Southeastern, the Royal Borough of Greenwich Council and the local community to ensure we minimise any disruption to passengers and local residents.

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

Kevin Warn, Southeastern’s area manager, said: “We know that our customers will be keenly awaiting the completion of these improvements, and so we’re delighted that Network Rail has started this work to make journeys easier for everyone who uses the railway.”

Councillor Averil Lekau, Cabinet Member for climate change, environment and transport at the Royal Borough of Greenwich, said: “This investment in Plumstead station will significantly improve access for the local community, making life easier for people who have disabilities, or a pram or a bike, to use the station. I’m delighted to see work getting underway. This will also complement improvements we’re planning around Plumstead station, which aim to make it easier, safer and more attractive for people walking and cycling.”