Tilehurst Railway Station on track for step-free access
Rail passengers can expect a more accessible station in Tilehurst later this year.
A £4 million investment will see new lifts and walkways installed at the station — which welcomes more than half a million passengers a year — granting all platforms full accessibility for the first time.
A new footbridge was installed as part of the Great Western Mainline modernisation and this latest work will contribute further to the Thames Valley Berkshire Strategic Economic Plan.
"This project continues our improvements to Tilehurst Station and will ensure even more people can use our railway," said Network Rail project sponsor, Alan Gough.
"It's the latest scheme in the Reading area to deliver sustainable travel, reduce congestion on the roads and provide cleaner air in the Thames Valley.
"We will work closely with our partners at Great Western Railway and with the local community to ensure disruption to passengers and local residents and businesses is kept to a minimum during the work."
Sir Alok Sharma, MP for Reading West, added: "Having campaigned for many years for funding for Tilehurst station, I am absolutely delighted that final funding for construction has been approved.
"This is vitally important for many local commuters, particularly wheelchair users and parents with pushchairs.
"Working with Network Rail and Great Western Railway, I have lobbied the Department for Transport extensively to ensure that funding is provided for the installation of lifts."
Works are due to begin this spring, subject to planning approval, with an estimated completion planned for autumn.
The project is separate from the government's Access for All scheme to improve station accessibility.