To improve accessibility at Chelmsford railway station, work will start next month on renewing both passenger lifts.

Both lifts have reached the end of their life and require replacement, but to minimise disruption to passengers, they will be replaced one after the other instead of both at the same time.

Work to replace the lift to platform 2 will start on 9 November 2023 and it will be out of use until the end of March 2024. That will be followed by replacing the lift on platform 1, which will be out of use from 4 April 2024 until the end of August 2024.

Because of their age and the scarcity of replacement parts, both lifts need to be replaced rather than repaired, and by carrying out this work Greater Anglia will be improving the lifts’ reliability and customers’ overall travel experience.

For anyone who is unable to use the stairs, Greater Anglia has planned a number of measures so that people with accessibility needs can continue to travel. Extra measures have been agreed with Greater Anglia’s Accessibility Panel, and include additional staff on hand to help passengers and provision of accessible taxis when required.

During the work to replace the lift on platform 2, a step-free route will be available via a road leading from the station car park off Railway Street; extra staff will also be on hand to assist passengers. Platform 2 is the one used by trains travelling towards Colchester, Ipswich, Norwich, Braintree, Sudbury, Harwich, and Clacton-on-Sea.

Anyone who is unable to use the stairs at Chelmsford station is advised to plan their journey in advance and allow extra time for their journeys. They should also discuss their journey in advance with Greater Anglia’s Passenger Assistance service by calling 0800 028 2878 (free from landlines and mobiles), or by Text Type: to 18001 0800 028 2878.

Greater Anglia has provided an information page that explains full details about the work and how it may affect customer’s journeys and is available online at greateranglia.co.uk/chelmsfordlifts

More detailed information regarding alternative arrangements from 4 April 2024 until the end of August 2024 whilst the lift on platform 1 is being replaced will be announced nearer the time.

Greater Anglia’s Asset Management Director, Simone Bailey, said: “We are very sorry for the inconvenience while we renew the lifts at Chelmsford.

“This work is essential to maintain the function and reliability of the lifts and will improve passenger facilities at the station.

“We will do everything we can to ensure people can still make their journeys with as little inconvenience as possible while this work is being carried out, and we look forward to getting each lift back open as quickly as possible.”