OREANDA-NEWS. The installation of a new stepped-footbridge with ramps means that for the first time passengers will have a step-free route between all four platforms.

Step-free access at the station 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 new bridge will also be raised slightly to allow for the future electrification of the railway.

James O’Gorman, Network Rail’s project sponsor for the scheme, said: “The new footbridge with ramps at Severn Tunnel Junction station will make travelling by train easier and more accessible for passengers.

“We are working hard to make sure that this work is completed with minimal disruption and that a normal train service continues to operate throughout.

“This is an important part of our work to build a bigger and better railway for Wales, with a record investment over the next five years to cater for increasing demand and transform the railway in Wales.”

The ?6.7m project has been funded through the Department for Transport’s ‘Access for All’ scheme which is designed to improve accessibility at rail stations across Britain.

As part of the scheme, a new ticket office will be built, new tactile paving installed on the platforms and there will be additional disabled parking bays at the station.

Whilst the project is at an early stage, the main bulk of work is expected to begin in June 2015 and continue until the winter.

The station, which is on the main line giving passengers access to Newport, Cardiff, Swansea and London, will remain open during construction and we are working to keep disruption to a minimum.

Members of the public who have questions about the programme should call our 24-Hour National Helpline on 08457 11 41 41.

About Network Rail
Network Rail owns, manages and develops Britain’s railway – the 20,000 miles of track, 40,000 bridges and viaducts, and the thousands of signals, level crossings and stations (the largest of which we also run). In partnership with train operators we help people take more than 1.6bn journeys by rail every year - double the number of 1996 - and move hundreds of millions of tonnes of freight, saving almost 8m lorry journeys. We’re investing ?38bn in the railway by 2019 to deliver more frequent, more reliable, safer services and brighter and better stations.