Work to improve accessibility at Irlam Station is due to get under way this spring. £5.7m will be spent at Irlam with two new passenger lifts being installed to provide step-free access to and from the platforms. Additional work to the tune of £4m will be undertaken at Westhoughton's Daisy Hill Station in Bolton. The works are expected to begin in early March 2024 and be completed by the end of January 2025. Since 2019, TfGM has secured funding to deliver Access for All schemes at seven Greater Manchester stations most in need of step-free access. These are currently in development and due to be delivered between 2025-2026. TfGM is waiting for government feedback on Access for All funding bids for a further 11 priority stations, following a submission made in September 2022. Mayor of Greater Manchester, Andy Burnham, said: "Our rail stations, and our wider public transport system, should be accessible to everyone. “There should be no barrier to anyone using trains to reach their destination or connecting to Metrolink or bus services for the next leg of their journey. Through the Bee Network we want to create a transport system that everyone can use. “These two schemes will bring much needed accessibility improvements for passengers at Daisy Hill and Irlam – and a welcome step towards our ambition for every station in Greater Manchester being accessible to people with disabilities as well as those with prams, pushchairs and heavy luggage.” Craig Harrop, regional director for Northern, said: “This latest investment in our rail infrastructure is to be welcomed – particularly when it improves accessibility. These enhancements at Irlam and Daisy Hill stations will make a huge difference to some of our customers and we look forward to the works being completed over the next 12 months.” Phil James, North West route director for Network Rail said: “This £10m investment across the two stations will provide much needed step-free access to and from the platform which is vital to ensure our public transport is accessible for everyone. “I’d like to give a huge thank you to passengers for their patience during the upgrades which will ensure the station remains accessible for everyone for years to come.” While these works will deliver important benefits and step-free access at the stations, there will be some disruption for passengers during the construction phase. Some areas of the station car park will be used as a compound for site welfare facilities equipment, and vehicles for the duration of the on-site works which will reduce some available parking for a temporary period. Two new passenger lifts will be installed in the subway underpass between platforms 1 and 2. While the station will remain open it is anticipated the underpass will be out of use for a certain period during construction, however access to rail services will be maintained at all times. All work areas will be kept separate from the public to minimise the impact to station operation. Salford City Mayor, Paul Dennett, said: "We have been working tirelessly to deliver on our commitment to creating a truly integrated and accessible transport system in Salford and across the Bee Network. By diligently working towards this objective, we aim to create a transport system that fosters inclusivity, promotes independence, and improves the overall quality of life for our residents. "By installing passenger lifts and implementing other enhancements, we are making it easier for people with mobility challenges, parents with strollers, and individuals with heavy luggage to access the rail services that are not only convenient but essential to their daily lives. "We are committed to building a more inclusive and connected rail system across Salford, where everyone can enjoy seamless and barrier-free access to public transport." Because of the machinery being used some noise is expected during construction at the station but this will be kept to a minimum where possible. Residents, businesses and passengers who may be affected by the works are thanked for the patience and understanding while these important works take place.
