Motspur Park railway station in Merton, London, is undergoing an upgrading programme that will include a new step-free footbridge. The covered bridge will provide full access to the lifts and stairs on the central platform, London News Online reports.

New security cameras and lights will be installed around the lifts and bridge as part of the improvements carried out by Network Rail, who are working in partnership with South Western Railway and Merton Council. 

Councillor Stephen Alambritis, cabinet member for transport at Merton council, said: “I’m 

delighted that we’ve been able to bring improvements forward for Motspur Park station. 

“Delivering step-free access here will hugely benefit the local community, allowing those with mobility impairments to travel further and more freely as well as bringing safety improvements for all travellers.”

The step-free footbridge is being installed as part of the Government’s Access for All programme, which was launched in 2006 to help address the problems faced by disabled railway users, as well as those with heavy luggage or pushchairs. So far, over 150 have been upgraded with new lifts and ramps to improve platform accessibility. 

The scheme is divided into the main programme, the mid-tier programme, and small projects. Mid and small scale improvements include handrails, tactile paving, toilets, automatic doors, and customer information screens. 

Loraine Martins, Director of Diversity and Inclusion at Network Rail, said: “Most of the railway was designed during the Victorian era, but today we have a better understanding of how we should provide wider access and inclusion for everyone.”

“Thanks to the Access for All programme, we now have step-free, accessible routes at more than 200 stations across Britain, having just recently completed some improvements at Hebden Bridge station in West Yorkshire as part of a £2.2 million investment to upgrade access.”

The Motspur Park Footbridge is expected to open to the public in 2024.

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