Railway bridge nears completion

The new pedestrian access over the Cambrian Railway at Newtown Station is nearing completion.

The bridge will allow access for all users to both sides of the railway station platforms via a footpath and lift.
installation.

Montgomeryshire MS, Russell George, visited the site this week to see the work.

Contractor AmcoGiffen has been on site in Newtown since December 2023, with all the work due to be completed by the end of 2024.

Helen Hodgson, senior sponsor for Network Rail’s Wales and Borders route, said: “We were pleased to welcome Russell George to Newtown station to show him the progress being made. 

“The accessibility improvements we are making mean all passengers – including those with limited mobility, those carrying heavy luggage or those with pushchairs – will have a step-free and accessible route to and between platforms 1 and 2 at Newtown for the first time. 

“We look forward to seeing the completion of this work, which will provide a fully accessible station and more comfortable journeys for all rail users.”

Russell George, MS for Montgomeryshire, said: “I was delighted to be invited by Network Rail to visit Newtown station to see the progress being made on the accessible footbridge.

“This is my local station, and I often catch the train from here to get to Shrewsbury and then on to Cardiff or London. Most times I have used this station, I have seen someone with either a pram, a pushchair, or with a mobility issue, so the need for this new footbridge and lifts for passenger use is clear.

“I am pleased to see the work being carried out here to improve accessibility – it will be beneficial to Newtown and the wider area. I look forward to the project being completed and the new facility being in use.”

Newtown is one of six stations on the Wales and Borders route becoming step-free, with the improvements being funded by the Department for Transport as part of the UK Government’s Access for All programme. 

Work on new accessible footbridges continues at Abergavenny, Cwmbran, Flint and Llanelli, while Ludlow station will see a lift added to its existing footbridge.