NEW LIFT BRIDGE TO IMPROVE ACCESS TO BOTH PLATFORMS AT MACHYNLLETH

The Cambrian Railways Partnership has welcomed the announcement last week that Machynlleth Railway Station will be getting a specialised lift-bridge to allow easier access to both platforms for those with mobility issues.

Currently, passengers who are unable to use stairs to access platform 2 from the station’s ticket office are required to exit the station premises, and return to the site from an alternative route along a narrow pavement and up an inclined path to the platform.

Rhydian Mason of the Cambrian Railways Partnership has welcomed the announcement, stating that when it comes into being, the new lift-bridge will allow all passengers to access both platforms, ticket office, café and waiting room from the main station entrance.

“There have been calls for an improvement in access to the station’s second platform for many years, and whilst the existing passenger bridge is more than adequate for the able bodied, for those with mobility issues it poses a problem. We are very pleased that the Welsh Government has seen fit to address this issue with a purpose made solution.

“Machynlleth is seen very much as a transport hub to the area, and is a main link point to both the Cambrian main line and the Cambrian coast line, and as such a high proportion of tourist and visitors use the lines each year.”

Councillor Mansel Williams said that he was also pleased to hear of the announcement and that he was particularly greatful to all who worked towards making this possible:

“This new bridge and lift is greatly welcome and will make a huge difference for access at this busy interchange, particularly for elderly people and for those passengers with special mobility needs.”

Local councillor Trevor Roberts from Barmouth was also pleased to hear of the annoucement: “I am absolutelly delighted with the announcement by the DfT of the £1 million towards the access project at Machynlleth Station. My thanks to Welsh Government Officials, ATW, Network Rail, TraCC Officers and the Meirionnydd Access Group who had originally requested to kick start the long process of seeing a successful conclusion to this subject.

This is not the first time that the Cambrian Lines have featured in improved mobility projects. The ‘Harrington Hump’ at Aberdyfi is another such example which was part developed  there and is used across the UK as a cost effective and reliable adaptation allowing station platform heights to be raised to reduce the ‘step’ between platform and carriage.

A fleet of refurbished 158 class carriages are now also operational on the line with many aesthetic and technical improvements for passengers.

“Indeed, the Cambrian lines have many new developments that have been implemented by a number of groups – projects such as the Borth Station Adoptee group heritage centre and the Harlech Adoptee group station enhancements are both projects which have seen the train operator, the railway partnership and volunteers work closely in partnership with each other for the benefit of all rail users.

“The partnership has also produced a wide range of publications from window gazers, on-train safaris, golfing and real-ale trails, station to station walks and other initiatives designed to give tourists, visitors and locals further ideas and reasons to travel sustainably by rail,” added Rhydian.

ENDS.