Greater Anglia Installs Accessible Footbridge: £5.5M Investment Boosts Access

Greater Anglia has successfully installed a new modular footbridge, featuring integrated lifts, at a key station, marking a significant advancement in passenger accessibility. The £5.5 million project is slated for public opening in the first quarter of 2026, promising to replace a current level crossing as the sole step-free route between platforms.

The installation of the new footbridge represents a substantial leap forward in enhancing passenger experience and accessibility at the station. Andrew Goodrum, Infrastructure and Projects Director for Greater Anglia, highlighted the project’s significance, stating, “This upgrade will mark a significant step in enabling easier, more accessible journeys for passengers using and changing trains.” The bridge’s modular design, coupled with ‘plug-and-play’ lifts, is engineered to expedite on-site commissioning and minimise disruption to passengers and the local community.

Strategic Impact on Passenger Journeys

This infrastructure upgrade directly addresses critical accessibility challenges, particularly for passengers with mobility impairments, parents with prams, and those carrying luggage. Currently, the station’s only step-free option involves a level crossing, a less desirable and potentially more time-consuming solution. The introduction of the new footbridge with lifts provides a reliable, modern, and universally accessible connection between platforms, aligning with broader industry trends towards inclusive travel. Greater Anglia secured funding for these accessibility improvements through the Government’s Access for All scheme, underscoring the strategic importance of such initiatives.

Operational and Technical Advancements

The construction process involved the precise deployment of a 500-tonne mobile crane and Hi-Ab units over 47 consecutive hours to assemble the various components, including a significant 29-tonne staircase section. The footbridge itself is constructed from stainless steel, a material chosen for its durability, longevity, and low maintenance requirements, eliminating the need for painting. This advanced material choice contributes to the bridge’s design as a more attractive, reliable, and easier-to-maintain structure compared to traditional concrete alternatives. The modular approach and integrated lift system are specifically designed to reduce commissioning time on-site.

Industry Context and Future Implications

The successful installation and impending launch of this innovative footbridge by Greater Anglia showcase a forward-thinking approach to railway infrastructure development. The emphasis on modular construction and integrated, low-maintenance components reflects a growing trend within the rail sector to deliver complex projects more efficiently and with less disruption. For industry leaders, this project serves as a compelling case study in how strategic investments in accessibility and modern design principles can yield significant operational benefits and enhanced passenger satisfaction, setting a benchmark for future station upgrades globally.