Passengers at Royston railway station can now cross the tracks in safety once again following the opening of a new footbridge.

Network Rail and Govia Thameslink Railway (GTR), operators of Thameslink and Great Northern Trains, worked together to improve accessibility at the station and to replace the previous footbridge which closed in 2020 due to safety considerations.

Further work will be necessary as lifts still need to be installed, though they are expected to be in place early next year. As a result, the bridge is being opened in a phased way but passengers will no longer be expected to use the alternative bridge on Kneesworth Street in order to switch platforms.

Work began on the project in November 2022 and, once the multi-million pound works are completed, step-free access across between platforms will be possible.

In addition to Network Rail‘s work on the footbridge, GTR has constructed a step-free route from the main-station entrance to platform one via the car park. A new 35-metre pavement with handrails and dropped kerbs with tactile paving features in the new development.  In all, the improved facilities will make accessibility much easier for those with limited mobility, families using pushchairs and those with heavy luggage which needs to be moved around the station.

Jonny Ham, Lead Portfolio Manager for Network Rail, said: “It’s positive news for passengers that the new footbridge at Royston railway station has now been built, and that station users no longer have to exit and re-enter the station to move between platforms.

“There is still further work to do as we need to install lifts to the bridge. This has taken us longer than planned, and we’re sorry for the delay. We look forward to completing this work and opening up travel opportunities for more people.”

Jenny Saunders, GTR’s Customer Services Director, added: “The new footbridge is great news for our customers. It’s a welcome milestone on this huge investment that will make the railway here easier to use for many people. These big projects, together with the smaller related improvements we’ve made, are crucial parts of our drive to create a more accessible and inclusive railway, where everyone has the confidence to travel no matter what their need for assistance.”