Transforming Anniesland Station: A £4m Project Reaches New Heights
Anniesland station in Glasgow is undergoing a remarkable transformation with a £4 million project that is set to revolutionize the station’s accessibility for passengers. The latest milestone in this project has been reached, marking significant progress towards providing step-free access for all individuals using the station.
The key focus of this project has been the installation of two new lifts to ensure that passengers, including those with impaired mobility or those traveling with luggage, children, or bicycles, can navigate the station with ease. The reopening of the nearby road and footpath, which were closed during the works, signifies a major step forward in this ambitious endeavor.
Reopening of Roads and Footpaths
After months of closure, the footpath under the railway bridge, the inside eastbound lane of Great Western Road, and parking bays near Anniesland station have now reopened to the public. These closures were necessary to accommodate the equipment required for the installation of the new lifts, given the limited space due to the proximity of the railway and platforms to the road.
Amanda Naughton, scheme project manager at Network Rail, expressed her delight at the progress made, stating, “We are delighted to mark continued progress with the reopening of the footpath and inside lane of Great Western Road. We appreciate this has been a big change for passengers and for everyone walking or driving through Anniesland Cross.”
Community Support and Impact
The local community has played a crucial role in supporting the project, bearing with the inconveniences caused by the road and footpath closures. This collaborative effort highlights the importance of community engagement in large-scale infrastructure projects aimed at enhancing accessibility and convenience for all individuals.
The ‘Access for All’ program, of which this project is a part, aims to create a more inclusive and accessible transport network for passengers of all abilities. By providing step-free access at Anniesland station, the project is aligning with the broader goal of ensuring that public transportation is accessible to everyone, regardless of their mobility limitations.
Project Timeline and Milestones
The Anniesland Access for All project commenced in autumn 2023, with significant progress being made since then. In June 2024, the lift towers were installed during a major overnight operation, marking a significant milestone in the project’s timeline.
Throughout the construction process, diversion routes were put in place to facilitate the works while minimizing disruptions to passengers and the local community. In July, the original staircase to Platform 2 reopened, signifying the completion of a crucial phase of the project.
In recent weeks, the focus has shifted towards the installation of the electrical components that will power the lifts and the reinstatement of brickwork cladding at the base of each lift tower. Additionally, the station’s power supply has been upgraded to support the new accessibility features.
Future Prospects and Impact
As the project nears completion, passengers can look forward to utilizing the new lifts in the coming weeks, enhancing their overall experience at Anniesland station. The improved accessibility will not only benefit individuals with impaired mobility but also enhance the overall efficiency and convenience of the station for all passengers.
The successful completion of the Anniesland Access for All project will serve as a testament to the collaborative efforts of Network Rail, the local community, and other stakeholders involved in the project. By prioritizing accessibility and inclusivity, this project represents a significant step towards creating a more accessible and user-friendly public transportation system in Glasgow.
In conclusion, the ongoing transformation of Anniesland station through the £4 million project demonstrates a commitment to inclusivity and accessibility in public transportation infrastructure. By providing step-free access and enhancing the overall passenger experience, this project is set to revolutionize the way individuals navigate and utilize the station.