Selby Station Gets Major Accessibility Boost

Selby station, a key hub managed by TransPennine Express, is on the cusp of a transformative accessibility upgrade. Passengers will soon experience a dramatically improved journey thanks to the installation of brand-new lifts and crucial strengthening work on the station's Grade II listed footbridge. This significant project, part of the Government's 'Access for All' initiative, promises to make travel easier for everyone, particularly those with mobility challenges, families with pushchairs, cyclists, and travellers with heavy luggage. The enhancements are anticipated to be fully completed by June 2023, marking a new era of accessibility for the Yorkshire town. Currently, passengers with mobility needs or those carrying bulky items face considerable challenges. Access to platforms 2 and 3 is often reliant on station staff being available to operate a barrow crossing over the tracks. This new development will eliminate such dependencies, offering step-free access and greater independence for all travellers. The project signifies a commitment to modernising the station, aligning with the notable increase in passenger numbers observed in recent years. The preparatory phase for this vital scheme commenced last week with the establishment of a construction compound on site. The main construction activities are expected to begin in the coming weeks. Beyond this initial 'Access for All' phase, further improvements are on the horizon. The Transforming Cities Fund will deliver a comprehensive package of enhancements to the station and its surrounding environs, with work slated to commence towards the end of the year. Richard Owens, Infrastructure Director for Network Rail’s North and East Route, expressed his enthusiasm for the project: "It is great to see that these key accessibility improvements at Selby station are in the pipeline. The benefits will be felt by all passengers, but particularly by those with additional access needs who require access to platforms 2 and 3 when station staff are unavailable. Step-free access is vital for the future of our railway, and I hope it encourages more people to travel by train. I know that heritage is central to Selby station, so I’m pleased that we’ll be strengthening the Grade II listed footbridge as part of the project." Nigel Adams MP, Member of Parliament for Selby and Ainsty, visited the station to discuss the planned works. He stated, "I am delighted that the essential preparatory work to provide lifts at Selby Station has been completed and building work will commence shortly. The new facilities will bring to an end the difficulties faced by passengers with heavy luggage, small children and pushchairs or a disability having to make special arrangements to cross the line to leave or join trains travelling towards Leeds. Having supported the application for funding to upgrade Selby station from the outset, I am delighted that construction will now begin. The upgrade will be done sensitively and will incorporate the iconic footbridge. Selby station is one of the 73 stations that received funding in 2019 as part of the Access for All Programme." Chris Nutton, Major Projects Director for TransPennine Express, highlighted the positive impact of the upgrades: "We are thrilled that work to install brand new lifts as well as strengthening the existing footbridge at Selby station will soon begin. These changes will make a real difference to those using the railway, ensuring the station is inclusive for all our customers. I want to thank those using the station for their patience and understanding while this important work is carried out." Councillor David Buckle, Selby District Council’s Lead Executive Member for Communities and Economic Development, emphasised the importance of public transport: "Public transport is vital to our communities and improving access for everyone is a welcome development. This work comes ahead of the planned Selby Gateway scheme, which will see further improvements for rail and bus passengers, in addition to anyone using public spaces in that area." Terry French, Secretary for Selby and District Rail Users Group, celebrated the culmination of a long-standing campaign: "The Group is delighted with the news that its long-standing campaign to have lifts installed at Selby Station will soon come to fruition. This is a major boost for the town - step-free access will only encourage people to use the train and be much easier and safer for everyone who needs to use the lifts." Key Benefits of the Selby Station Upgrade:* Step-Free Access: New lifts will provide seamless access to all platforms, eliminating the need for barrow crossings. * Enhanced Footbridge: The Grade II listed footbridge will be strengthened, preserving its heritage while improving safety and usability. * Improved Journeys: Easier travel for passengers with limited mobility, pushchairs, bicycles, and heavy luggage. * Increased Inclusivity: Making the station more accessible and welcoming for all passengers. * Future-Proofing: Supporting the growing number of passengers using Selby station. Project Timeline:* Preparatory Work: Commenced with compound construction. * Main Construction: Set to begin in the coming weeks. * Completion Target: June 2023. Comparative Accessibility at Selby Station (Pre & Post Upgrade):

Frequently Asked Questions:* Will there be lifts at Selby station? Yes, brand-new lifts are being installed as part of a major accessibility upgrade. * When will the new lifts be ready? The project, including the lift installation and footbridge strengthening, is scheduled for completion by June 2023. * What is the 'Access for All' initiative? It's a government-funded programme aimed at delivering accessible, modern, and fit-for-purpose station infrastructure across the UK. * Who is managing this project? The project is being delivered by Network Rail as part of the 'Access for All' initiative, with TransPennine Express managing the station. * Will the historic footbridge be affected? No, the Grade II listed footbridge is being strengthened as part of the project to ensure its preservation and improve its usability. * What other improvements are planned for Selby station? The Transforming Cities Fund will bring further enhancements to the station and the surrounding area later in the year, alongside the Selby Gateway scheme. This extensive upgrade at Selby station represents a significant step forward in making rail travel more inclusive and convenient for everyone. The combination of new lifts and an improved heritage footbridge will undoubtedly enhance the passenger experience and encourage greater use of public transport in the region. Passengers are advised to check for any potential service disruptions during the construction phases and to allow extra time for their journeys.

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