News / Transport
New lift could finally provide step-free access for station
A new lift could be installed at Lawrence Hill to finally make the train station step-free.
Network Rail have submitted plans to Bristol City Council for the project which would see the lift connecting the road level with the southbound platform 2 taking trains towards Temple Meads.
The project will be funded by the West of England Mayoral Combined Authority, with mayor Helen Godwin saying that Lawrence Hill has not been fully accessible for too long, “leaving parents struggling on the stairs with prams and excluding many Disabled and older people from train travel”.
Godwin added: “All of our stations should be accessible to everyone, so it’s exciting to see these plans submitted for regional funding to make Lawrence Hill step-free.”
New plans could make Lawrence Hill railway station, which first opened in 1863, step-free – image: Network Rail
Network Rail western route director, Martin Jones, added: “With the West of England Mayoral Combined Authority we’re embarking on the biggest rail regeneration for the region in decades with more stations, more services and improvements across the railway.
“Improving accessibility at Lawrence Hill has been a priority for us and we’re thrilled that with the support of the mayor we’ll be able to provide step-free access to platform 2, allowing both sides of the station to be easily accessible for the first time.
“We want to welcome everyone onto the railway, and providing a lift at Lawrence Hill station will make travelling by train much easier for those with reduced mobility, people with pushchairs, cyclists, and passengers carrying heavy luggage.”
Lawrence Hill is on the Severn Beach Line and more than 350,000 people use the station each year – image: Network Rail
Main image: Network Rail
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