Achieving a Less Disruptive Journey to Access for All

There is an urgent need to make our rail network more accessible. This is particularly acute in and around London, where an ambitious programme of Access for All improvements seeks to expand step free access to dozens of additional underground and overground stations.

With Access for All, it’s easy to feel caught between meeting the needs of disabled passengers who worry that change isn’t happening fast enough, and the needs of all passengers who want reliable and convenient services with minimal disruption.

There are few simple solutions when it comes to making accessibility improvements to stations that were designed in another age, with no concept of step-free access in mind. This is particularly so when the stations are on vital commuter routes.

Successful Project Delivery

There isn’t a single technical solution or approach that can offer a blueprint for every project. It’s more often a case of creating the conditions in which successful project delivery can be achieved. Success means projects delivered on time and on budget with minimal disruption – no matter what unexpected technical hitches might occur.

The ability of the contractor to work flexibly and creatively is vital. This has to include the expertise to work safely in live environments that remain accessible to passengers, as well as the flexibility of overnight and weekend working.

Creating the Conditions for Success

The conditions of success are reflected in well planned, designed and executed schemes that ensure the railway maintains safe and efficient operation at every stage of the works.

Access for All projects can be both high profile and high pressure. This significantly raises the stakes in terms of contractor performance. The reputations of many stakeholders can be affected. It’s an area where a proven ability to deliver infrastructure projects efficiently and with limited disruption is important.

Access for All is an ambitious programme. Feltham Station is an example of how step free access can be integrated into a wider station and urban improvement with minimal disruption. Creativity, flexibility and close-working relationships were critical to overcome the difficult logistics and interfaces posed by this scheme.