Construction of a new single span footbridge and associated lifts to provide improved access to the platforms for passengers with mobility issues using the station.
Penrith Train Station, located on the West Coast Main Line, had some complicated accessibility issues. Passengers with mobility problems who wanted to access the far platform needed to use a crossing at the North End of the station. That required a member of station staff to accompany them and meant they needed to allow a significant amount of time prior to their train’s arrival.
In a £2.5 million, 29-week project, Story Contracting constructed a new single span footbridge and lifts provided improved access to the platforms for passengers with mobility issues.
The Access For All (AFA) scheme aimed to provide passengers with mobility issues with a safer, faster and more direct route on to the other platform which, in turn, would increase passenger flexibility and independence. It would also remove an additional responsibility from the station staff.
500 tonne crane installed
footbridge, lift shaft & stairs
Installation of lift pit & foundations
2 OROR possessions
The scope of the project was to implement the following works:
The piling, excavation and pouring of the foundations was completed during a series of OROR and ROR (Rules of the Route) possessions. The project team had prepared the foundations by installing formwork and tying the reinforcement.
The new structure was installed using a 500 tonne crane, then the lifts were installed. Finishing works to the site included the installation of lighting and CCTV, drainage upgrades, the re-surfacing of the car park and platforms and the testing of all mechanical, electrical and telecoms equipment.
Part of this projects success was due to the fact the key subcontractors such as the steel fabricator and lift contractor, were involved in the detailed design stage to ensure that they could advise on the buildability of the final solution. Before Story Contracting started work, meetings were held with other contractors carrying out major works in the area so we could all make the best use of the track access.
The team also collaborated with the station staff and programmed the work outside of station opening hours which meant minimum disruption to Virgin Trains and their customers.
The scheme has been excellently managed by Story. The standard of finish by the operatives, particularly the lift shafts, is of a high standard and behaviours demonstrated whilst working in and amongst passengers has been excellent. I’ve worked on a number of AFA projects now and Penrith is easily the best I’ve been involved with, a sentiment echoed by the wider team and by the Buildings RAM team.
Network Rail
The project involved regrading approximately 280 metres of the embankment to enhance structural stability and improve rail safety.