Step-free access at Anniesland station in Glasgow is moving forward, as Network Rail is nearing the stage when it will install two new lifts.
To prepare for their installation, in recent weeks engineers have strengthened the foundations for the lift shafts by driving huge sheets of steel into the ground.
![Artist's impression of one of the new lift towers. // Credit: Network Rail](https://www.railadvent.co.uk/wp-content/uploads/2024/05/Anniesland-AfA-SW-View-Day-750x422.jpg)
The lift towers were fabricated at M&S Engineering in Dumfries and Galloway and are 9 metres high.
They will be lifted into position with a 230-tonne crane, and steel walkways will connect them to the existing station platforms. Until the new lifts are open, the existing footbridge will remain in place.
Encouraging more sustainable travel choices is right at the heart of our plans for transport in Glasgow.
Councillor Angus Millar, City Convener for Transport, Glasgow City Council
Over two weekends next month, the lift towers will be installed at street level on Great Western Road.
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To ensure public safety during their installation, Great Western Road at Anniesland Cross will be reduced to one westbound lane from:
- 18:30 on Saturday, 15 June until 10:00 on Sunday, 16 June
- 18:30 on Sunday, 16 June until 0600 Monday, 17 June
- 18:30 on Saturday, 22 June until 10:00 on Sunday, 23 June
- 18:30 on Sunday, 23 June until 0600 Monday, 24 June
Traffic travelling eastbound towards Glasgow will need to travel via a signed diversion route.
![Anniesland Cross facing east. // Credit: Network Rail](https://www.railadvent.co.uk/wp-content/uploads/2024/05/Anniesland-Cross-facing-east-750x422.jpg)
Whilst the work takes place there will be no disruption for pedestrians and Anniesland station will be open on Saturday night with train services running as normal.
However, the footpath underneath the railway bridge, parking bays, and the inside eastbound lane of Great Western Road will remain closed until completion of the project.
The improvements are part of the Access for All (AfA) programme to make it easier to use the station for people with mobility difficulties, or travelling with bicycles, pushchairs, or heavy luggage.
Network Rail has notified local residents and businesses about the work.
![Anniesland AfA site viewed from Great Western Road - Network Rail](https://www.railadvent.co.uk/wp-content/uploads/2024/04/Anniesland-AfA-site-view-from-Great-Western-Road-Network-Rail-1278x720.jpg)
Further information about the project is available online at https://scotlandsrailway.com/projects/anniesland-access-for-all/
I look forward to seeing the completion of this work, which will provide a fully accessible station at Anniesland and more comfortable journeys for all including those with limited mobility, those carrying heavy luggage or those with pushchairs.
Liam Sumpter, Managing Director for Scotland‘s Railway
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