The UK’s Department for Transport has allocated £28m ($35.7m) in funding, through its Access for All (AfA) programme, for accessibility improvements at the Hither Green train station in Kent, England.
This station will be upgraded with the addition of a new footbridge and lifts.
The project, expected to be completed by late 2027, will provide step-free access throughout the station.
The South East Alliance, comprising Southeastern and Network Rail Kent Route, along with BAM Nuttall, has initiated the construction.
The Hither Green station is a rail hub with approximately three million entries and exits annually.
The station currently presents challenges for passengers with accessibility needs, who are compelled to detour via central London or use alternative transport to Lewisham.
Upon completion, the station will significantly improve the travel experience for those with limited mobility and passengers with luggage, bicycles, or pushchairs.
The upgrade includes the installation of a new footbridge spanning all six platforms, complemented by four new 16-person lifts and staircases to each platform.
The new infrastructure will connect to two accessible station entrances on Fernbrook Road and Springbank Road.
Additionally, the lifts will feature live operating status feeds to assist customers in planning their step-free journeys.
Construction efforts have commenced with the installation of metal sheet piles to support the new structures.
During the construction phase, the station and its existing facilities, including the ticket office and confectionary stand, will remain operational.
However, Network Rail stated that road closures and parking suspensions on Fernbrook Road and Springbank Road will be necessary to ensure a safe construction environment.
The South East Alliance is coordinating with Lewisham Council to minimise disruption and will inform local residents in advance about the changes.
This project is the latest in Kent to leverage the AfA scheme, which has already facilitated accessibility improvements at several other stations, including Canterbury East, St Mary Cray, Chatham, Petts Wood, Bexley, and Plumstead.
The Herne Bay and Shortlands stations are also expected to complete upgrades in early 2025.
Earlier this month, Network Rail began a year-long project to renovate the Scarborough railway station’s roof.
