Biggleswade rail improvements 'highlight importance of involving people with disabilities from beginning'

A meeting was held recently between BRAN, Network Rail, Central Bedfordshire Council, Richard Fuller MP, Govia Thameslink Railway representatives, and Biggleswade Mayor and Town Councillor, Madeline Russell.

The station is set to be transformed and include ramped access from near the current station buildings to a new bridge across all four platforms, with lifts and steps down to each platform.

Commenting on the updated plans, Julian Vaughan, BRAN representative, said: “Following a previous meeting with BRAN, Network Rail has increased the width of the proposed walkway ramp to 2.2 metres (2 metres between hand rails), a 20cm increase compared to the original design and now exceeding, rather than just meeting, guidance minimums.

“The improvements highlight the importance of involving people with disabilities from the beginning.”

Improvements have also been made to visibility along the ramp structure as well as widening the walkway at the bend prior to the new bridge containing the lifts to each platform.

Julian added: “Looking at the draft plans the accessible toilets will be sited at the current location of the covered bike rack area which will be replaced by an enlarged bike rack area, situated just to the left of the station entrance. This area will be covered by CCTV. I did request that a secure caged area is provided as bike theft is an ongoing issue.

“Network Rail are hopeful of a further acceleration to the project and are aiming for an opening date for the lifts of late summer 2022. However, we should be aware that unexpected delays often occur.”

He added: “There is still some disagreement about the design of the bus interchange. Unfortunately space is very limited and what is currently proposed is not ideal. However, an integrated transport hub with seamless and step-free access between bus and rail is essential.”

Work on the accessible toilets/changing places area is scheduled for completion this September.

A CBC spokesman said: “We’re delighted that Network Rail have agreed a range of improvements to the Biggleswade Station plan and specification, and we’re working closely with Network Rail and other stakeholders to offer a suitable solution regarding the design of the bus interchange.”

Ed Akers, for Network Rail, said: “We’ve already accelerated the project by 12 months to deliver step-free access at Biggleswade station by 2022 and we are continuing to look at ways we can speed it up even further.”