Work begins on £350k revamp of Totton railway station

A second entrance to the platform on the southern side of the station will make it easier for people using wheelchairs, mobility scooters, and pushchairs to access trains.

Hampshire County Council has teamed up with South Western Railway (SWR) and Network Rail to provide step-free access to the station.

The improvements have been funded by a £238,000 grant from the Department for Transport's Access for All fund with extra contributions from SWR and the county council, bringing the total spend to £353,000. The work is expected to take four weeks.

The scheme will provide passengers with step-free access to Platform 2 at Totton rai;way station (Image: Newsquest.)

Councillor Nick Adams-King is the county council’s Cabinet Lead for Universal Services.

He said: "I’m pleased we have secured the necessary funding to create an obstacle-free route for people using Totton Station.

"This is an important travel link for residents and people visiting the town and these improvements will make train travel a more attractive and easier option for those who are mobility restricted.”

READ MORE: Disabled access to Totton railway station to be improved as part of nationwide scheme

The scheme will deliver a new footway linking Platform 2 to Totton High Street, a crossing with tactile paving on the High Street to help visually impaired people, and lighting along the new path.

The scheme will provide passengers with step-free access to Platform 2 at Totton railway station (Image: Newsquest.)

Phil Dominey, senior regional development manager at SWR, said: "From speaking to our customers and stakeholders we understand the big difference that step-free access at this station will mean for the local community.

"We're delighted to be working with Hampshire County Council to make it a reality."

Matt Pocock, Network Rail’s Wessex Route Director, said: "We want as many people as possible to leave their cars at home and use the railway as their preferred method of travelling.

"We're committed to making the railway as accessible as possible to help ensure everyone can benefit from this green and sustainable form of travel.

The scheme will provide passengers with step-free access to Platform 2 at Totton railway station (Image: Newsquest.)

"We have a large number of schemes in progress to make our stations step-free and easy to use and we look forward to working with our partners on this project to upgrade Totton station."

Totton councillor David Harrison has welcomed the scheme.

Posting on social media he said: "Clearance work has started on the new access to the platform for westbound trains.

"When the work is completed it will make a significant improvement for people who cannot manage the steps."