Next phase of train station 'gateway' improvements set to begin

The next phase of work to improve access to Plymouth train station will begin on Monday 17 June the Council have announced.

The main road into the station, which runs from North Road East to Saltash Road, is set to benefit from new footways, cycle parking, safer pedestrian crossing points (including two new zebra crossings) and better street lighting.

This is the third phase in the access improvement scheme, developed by Plymouth City Council and its highways contractor Amey in partnership with First Great Western (FGW) and Network Rail. The scheme is supported and part-funded by Sustrans, the national walking and cycling charity.

The fourth and final phase, which will begin in July, will focus on the Saltash Road footway between the station and the recently improved pedestrian and cycle area in North Cross.

Direction signs will be moved to increase the amount of space available on the footway and a dedicated two-way cycle lane will be installed to make it easier for people to cycle in and out of the station. The segregation barriers on the approaches to the central North Cross area will also be removed.

Councillor Mark Coker, Cabinet Member for Transport, said: “As one of the key gateways into Plymouth it’s important that the train station is not only safe and convenient for people to use, but also gives visitors a warm welcome and good lasting impression of the city. Transforming the station is one of the current administration’s priorities and these improvements will benefit the local economy as well all rail passengers.”

Reminding customers to check before they travel, as access to the station may be restricted for short periods, Plymouth Station Manager Mark Chorley said: "FGW are continually looking at ways to improve our stations and improve access to the full range of services that we can offer.

“In the last year over £85 million has been invested across our network of 210 stations, by working with rail industry partners, the DfT, and forward thinking local authorities like Plymouth.

“The work the Council is doing to improve access fits with our own investment in the station, which has included a new station front, upgraded waiting rooms, new customer information systems and new and improved toilets. We will also be investing a further £500,000 on improving the subway between platforms this year.”

Patrick Hallgate, Network Rail Western route managing director, said: “This project will make a significant improvement to access into Plymouth railway station. We are confident it will help to make the environment surrounding the station much more attractive and accessible.”

Construction of phases three and four is anticipated to take around five months. Vehicle access to the station will be maintained throughout the works but, for safety reasons, there will be lane closures on Saltash Road at times. Bus companies have been consulted and measures will be put in place to ensure that services can continue to operate throughout the course of the works.

For more information about the Plymouth station accessibility improvements visit www.plymouth.gov.uk/stationaccessproject.