Stowmarket rail station to install new ‘revolutionary’ bridge with lifts in UK first

A new ‘revolutionary style’ bridge with lifts is to be installed at Stowmarket rail station to improve accessibility.

Greater Anglia says the steel bridge will be the ‘first of its kind in the UK’ and will see the existing concrete footbridge at the station demolished.

Stowmarket rail station was given funding in 2019 for accessibility improvements as part of the Government’s Access for All scheme.

Marek Dowejko, Greater Anglia’s Asset Programme Manager, said: “We’re delighted to be able to progress this improvement scheme to help people access the station more easily.”

The modular steel design is cheaper and quicker to build and lifts will be incorporated into the bridge’s design to make it easier to travel between the platforms.

Construction is expected to start towards the end of next year.

Mr Dowejko added: “Thanks to this revolutionary new style of bridge the scheme was affordable and we have been able to use the Access for All funding efficiently and to the best outcome for passengers.”

Stowmarket rail station has also recently received a new makeover to its car park.

The station’s car park received a new look which includes updated markings and tarmac repairs.

Greater Anglia has invested £34,000 on making 14 car parks more accessible for the public.

The work started at the end of February and was completed at the end of March.

The car parks include Cheshunt, Dovercourt, Harling Road, Hatfield Peverel, Hockley, North Fambridge, Prittlewell, Rochford, Sawbridgeworth, South Woodham Ferrers, Wivenhoe, Thorpe-Le-Soken, Whittlesford Parkway and Stowmarket.

Simone Bailey, Asset Management Director, said: "I’m pleased that these station car parks have received a much-needed upgrade and are now ready to welcome passengers with easy and convenient parking as they return to the railway.”