Construction Work at Dumfries Station Set to Enhance Accessibility
Scotland’s Railway is gearing up to commence construction work at Dumfries station, with the aim of providing step-free access between the platforms.
The project is scheduled to begin on Monday, 30th October 2023, and will continue until the summer of 2024.
Key Developments:
- The existing footbridge at Dumfries station will be dismantled and replaced with a new accessible bridge equipped with lifts, serving platforms 1 and 2.
- The existing footbridge will be closed to the public starting from Monday, 20th November. The installation of the new bridge is expected in spring 2024.
- Train services will operate as usual through the station during the construction period, albeit with temporary changes to access routes.
The Project’s Aim:
The primary objective of this construction project is to enhance accessibility for passengers with limited mobility, families with young children, and those carrying luggage or bicycles. The new accessible bridge, equipped with lifts, will significantly improve the ease with which these passengers can move between the platforms.
Community Engagement:
Amanda Naughton, Network Rail’s scheme project manager for Dumfries station’s accessibility improvements, expressed gratitude for the community’s interest in the project. She also highlighted the project’s focus on creating a bridge design that complements the station’s unique architecture while improving the overall passenger experience and providing modern access standards to and from Dumfries.
Temporary Disruptions:
During the project, it’s important to note that there will be space restrictions in the platform 1 car park. Additionally, temporary changes to access will occur in the platform 2 car park during the bridge removal and installation phase.
Communication Efforts:
Residents living near the station will receive letters detailing key dates and milestones as the project progresses. This proactive communication approach aims to keep the community informed about upcoming developments.
Mitigating Inconvenience:
Network Rail acknowledges that, despite their efforts to minimize disruption, some noise may be unavoidable due to the equipment and heavy engineering involved in the project. The organization has expressed its appreciation for the patience of passengers, residents, and workers in the vicinity as they strive to deliver these essential improvements.
For further information about the project, interested parties are encouraged to visit the dedicated page ‘Du Access for All’ on the ScotlandsRailway website (scotlandsrailway.com) and follow @NetworkRailScot on Twitter for regular updates.
For any inquiries related to the work, you can email [email protected] or call the Network Rail 24-hour helpline at 03457 11 41 41.
