New footbridge to be built at Uddingston Station

PLANS have been unveiled for the build of a new footbridge and lift system at Uddingston Station.The new footbridge will be uncovered and made of steel and will be located approximately 25m to the west of the existing footbridge, with it being accessed by a staircase and lift shaft at each end.Network Rail submitted a notification for prior approval for the work, which does not require a planning application, to South Lanarkshire Council. In a letter submitted with their notice, Network Rail stated ‘careful’ consideration has been made regarding the positioning, construction, and design of the structure and of the impact on parking during construction.The rail organisation also outlined that, while other options had been looked at, the proposed structure has a smaller footprint on the station platform, resulting in a shorter route for passengers.Network Rail said that work on the project is expected to commence in November and be completed within a year. The works are supported by the Access for All scheme, with Transport Scotland, on behalf of the department for transport, identifying the station as one that would benefit from the funding.Michael McArthur, Network Rail’s project manager for the accessibility work, said, “The new footbridge and lifts being installed at the station deliver modern standards of access for those travelling to or from Uddingston. Our proposals will help everyone in the community access services at Uddingston station easily and will improve the travelling experience for passengers as part of our efforts to enable even more people to travel by train.“Delivering step-free access at stations to open up our network is one important way in which we are improving the overall experience of travelling on Scotland’s railway.”