Work begins to bring step-free access to St Erth

(News release Network Rail:) London, 4 September 2023 - Work is underway to make St Erth station in West Cornwall fully accessible for the first time.

A new footbridge with lifts will be installed at St Erth, bringing step-free access to the whole of the grade II listed station for the first time since it was built in 1852.

Network Rail’s contractor, BAM Nuttall, has begun work with the project, set to be completed in spring 2024.

The current footbridge will be carefully dismantled and rebuilt at Cranmore station on the East Somerset Railway – a heritage steam railway.

The work continues Network Rail’s investment on the iconic St Ives branch line, which carries a million passengers a year, supporting tourism and businesses in the area.

The project is part of the Government’s Access for All scheme to improve access at stations across the country.

Alina Wolfe Murray, Network Rail senior sponsor, said: ‘We’re so pleased this work is underway to bring significant benefits to all passengers using St Erth. The line is one of the most beautiful stretches of railway in the country and we’re determined to ensure as many people as possible can enjoy it. The area has just seen a very busy summer holiday season and next year it will be even easier to visit the region by rail.’

Notes to editors

• The Access for All programme was launched in 2006 to address the issues faced by passengers with disabilities and passengers with mobility restraints (such as heavy luggage or pushchairs) when using railway stations in Great Britain.
• The funding is used to create an obstacle free, accessible route from the station entrance to the platforms. This generally includes providing lifts or ramps, as well as associated works and refurbishment along the route.
• St Erth is home to Cornwall’s first multi modal hub, a project led by Cornwall Council with support from the European Regional Development Fund, to improve links between the station, A30 and bus services.  

Click here for the original news release.