OREANDA-NEWS. Passengers are set to benefit from a better travelling experience after Network Rail announced that work will soon begin to increase accessibility at Chippenham station by installing a new footbridge and lifts.

The work will mean that for the first time passengers will have a step-free route from the station's main entrance to both platforms, without the need for staff assistance. This will not only be of benefit to passengers with reduced mobility, but also to those travelling with children or heavy luggage or who simply find stairs a struggle.

The £2.98m project has been partly funded through the Department for Transport's 'Access for All' scheme which is designed to improve accessibility at rail stations across Britain by installing lifts and ramps.

Joanna Grew, Network Rail's project sponsor for the scheme, said: "The improvements we're making at Chippenham station will make life easy for huge numbers of passengers and make travelling by train easier and more accessible.

"We are working closely with First Great Western to make sure that this work is completed with minimal disruption to passengers and that a normal train service continues to operate throughout."

Lynn Edington, First Great Western's manager for Chippenham station, said: "We recognise the key role that rail travel has in supporting the local and national economy and we are delighted that this improvement work has begun, improving access to Chippenham station for all our customers.

"During the previous franchise, over £85m was invested across our network of 210 stations by working with industry partners, the Department for Transport and local authorities."

Transport minister, Baroness Kramer, said: "The work at Chippenham will make a real difference to passengers by making it easier for people to get to work, or travel to see friends and family.

"By building a rail network that everyone can use, we are helping to build a stronger economy and a fairer society. That is why by 2019 we will have invested more than £480m in improving access to nearly 200 stations across the country."

Work to install the bridge and lifts will begin on 29 November and is due to be completed in spring 2015.