New lifts to deliver fully step-free access to passengers at Apsley station

Passengers at Apsley station will soon benefit from step-free access to all platforms as Network Rail begins work on a major accessibility upgrade.

The £8.9m scheme, funded through the Department for Transport’s Access for All (AfA) programme, will see three new lifts installed into the existing footbridge, creating an unobstructed route between platforms 1, 2, 3 and 4. Currently, only platform 4 has step-free access.

As part of the project, Network Rail will also upgrade power supplies, install CCTV in lifts and along the accessible route, and improve lighting. Help points and fire refuge areas will be added to enhance safety and passenger confidence.

To safely deliver the work, some facilities at the station will temporarily change.

A construction compound will be set up in the station car park, which means all customer parking spaces and vehicle access to the station approach road will be out of use for the duration of the project. Alternative parking is available at Kings Langley and Hemel Hempstead stations.

The platforms at Apsley station will remain open but will be temporarily shortened so that engineers can work safely on the footbridge and lift shafts while still allowing trains to run. Train services at Apsley will continue to operate as normal.

To explain more about the improvements and how the work may affect passengers and the local community, Network Rail is inviting nearby residents and businesses to an informal drop‑in event at Apsley Community Centre* on Tuesday 10 March from 5-7pm, where plans will be on display and teams will be available to answer questions.

Work is scheduled to start in March 2026, following enabling work in February, with completion expected by Christmas 2026.

Network Rail is working closely with London Northwestern Railway to reduce disruption throughout 2026 and to keep passengers moving safely while these essential improvements are delivered.

Elinor Weymouth, project manager for Network Rail said: “This upgrade is an important investment for passengers in Apsley, bringing step‑free access to all platforms for the first time. We’ll be at the community drop‑in event to talk through the plans and answer any questions about how the work may affect people locally.

“We’re working closely with London Northwestern Railway to keep disruption to a minimum, and we’d like to thank passengers and the community for their patience while we deliver these essential improvements.”

Rail Minister, Lord Hendy said: “By continuing to support the AfA programme we‘re building a railway that works for everyone, and these improvements at Apsley station will mean more people can travel independently, get to work, visit friends and family, and explore more places.

“By working closely with Network Rail and local partners, we’re delivering practical changes that make a real difference for passengers.”

Jonny Wiseman, customer experience director at LNR said: “Ensuring the railway is accessible for everyone is a key priority for us, so we are pleased to support Network Rail while these works take place over the coming months. These three new lifts will be a gamechanger for many passengers in Apsley, bringing step-free access to all platforms for the first time.

“We want to thank passengers for their patience while these works are carried out and the car park is closed. Any customer who needs support planning a journey during these works can contact our dedicated Passenger Assistance team for advice.”

Passengers will be kept informed throughout the work, and temporary arrangements will be in place to minimise disruption. The improvements are part of Network Rail’s ongoing efforts to make stations across the network safer, more accessible, and welcoming for all.

Passengers are advised to check their journey during the work at Apsley station by using www.nationalrail.co.uk.