’Potentially life-changing’ – accessibility benefits praised after station’s lifts and footbridge completed

Network Rail has issued the following press release about the installation of a new footbridge with lifts at Great Northern station Biggleswade, creating a step-free route to and between platforms for the first time.

Accessibility upgrades have been officially opened at Biggleswade to make the station more inclusive and welcoming for all.

Installation of the new footbridge with lifts was carried out as part of the Government’s Access for All programme – creating a step-free route to and between platforms.

A ribbon-cutting ceremony was held today (Friday 16 January) with local dignitaries, and guests from nearby Ivel Valley College, the Biggleswade Rail Access Network campaign group, Network Rail, Great Northern, Thameslink and construction contractors Story Contracting.

Carl Martin, accessibility lead for Great Northern, which operates Biggleswade station, and Thameslink, added: “We look forward to welcoming new customers at Biggleswade who previously couldn't use the station – indeed for some disabled passengers these lifts have the potential to be life-changing.

“Biggleswade is one of our busier stations, with almost 900,000 people passing through every year, and this is fantastic news for the community and our passengers.”

The investment means using the station is easier, safer and more convenient for all passengers – including people with mobility needs and those travelling with luggage, wheelchairs and pushchairs.

The station remained open throughout the project, with main construction work running from early 2025 to completion in December.

Luke Durston, Network Rail principal programme sponsor, said: “Delivering fully accessible stations is one of the most important ways we can make the railway better for everyone. Importantly, step-free stations open up rail travel as a realistic and convenient option for more people in our communities.

“So we’re delighted to have delivered this project at Biggleswade and to see station users already benefiting from the new lifts and footbridge. We acknowledge that this project has taken several years to complete, and we’re grateful to residents for their patience and support while the upgrades were being carried out.”

Mark Tripp, chair of governors at Ivel Valley School and College and a Great Northern train driver, said: “Travel training is a vital part of our education programme. Our students will now be able to use the rail network to explore further and to learn those vital skills that they will take into adulthood.

“And as a train driver for Great Northern, I’m excited that I will get to see firsthand more of my community being able to access rail services. I look forward to playing my part in their future journeys.”

Ash Widdop, Story contracts manager, added: “The Access for All scheme at Biggleswade is a brilliant example of how true collaboration can deliver lasting benefits. From the outset, this project has been driven by close partnership working between Network Rail, our team and our supply chain, enabling us to overcome challenges together and deliver enhancements that will make journeys easier and more accessible for everyone.

“It’s fantastic to see the new lifts and footbridge now in use, opening up the station to passengers who previously couldn’t access it. This is a real achievement for everyone involved and a positive step forward for the whole community.”