Network Rail has reached a crucial phase in its programme of accessibility works at Anniesland Station in Glasgow,

Ahead of the installation of two new lifts, engineers have been making space and strengthening the foundations for the lift shafts by sheet piling – driving huge sheets of steel into the ground.

The next step will see the lift towers installed at street level on Great Western Road over two weekends in June.

To enable the safe installation of the lift towers, Great Western Road at Anniesland Cross will be reduced to one westbound lane.

Liam Sumpter, Managing Director for Scotland's Railway, said: "We're moving towards a crucial time in the Anniesland Access for All project, which will bring easy, step-free access closer to reality for passengers.

"With the preparatory work almost complete, ready for the installation of the lift towers, I'd like to thank passengers, residents and those travelling through Anniesland Cross for their understanding, patience, and acceptance during the disruption they have faced and of the need to work so close to their homes.

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"I look forward to seeing the completion of this work, which will provide a fully accessible station at Anniesland and more comfortable journeys for all – including those with limited mobility, those carrying heavy luggage or those with pushchairs."

The improvements are part of the Access for All (AfA) programme and are designed to help create a brighter and more accessible entrance to the station.

Network Rail has worked with Glasgow City Council throughout the project and to ensure the traffic and pedestrian management system is as safe as possible.

Councillor Angus Millar, City Convener for Transport, Glasgow City Council, said: "It's great to see work going ahead to improve accessibility at Anniesland Station and I am very pleased council staff have been giving practical support to this project.

"Encouraging more sustainable travel choices is right at the heart of our plans for transport in Glasgow.

"The new lifts will make it much easier to reach the station and will help more people in the Anniesland area to connect with Glasgow's rail network by walking, wheeling and cycling."

Fabricated at M&S Engineering in Dumfries and Galloway, the lift towers will stand 9 metres tall and will be lifted in using a 230-tonne crane.

Steel walkways will connect the towers to the existing station platforms to make it easier to use the station for those with mobility difficulties, people travelling with bicycles, pushchairs or heavy luggage.