Network Rail has announced the successful completion of a £3.6 million accessibility project at Dumfries Station.

The works involved the installation of a new footbridge, which includes a saltire design on the bridge parapet and curved detail on the bridge deck as a nod to the original structure.

The improvements are part of the Access for All (AfA) scheme, which aims to make it easier for people with reduced mobility or those travelling with luggage, children, or bicycles to travel by train.

Rail Minister Lord Hendy said: "We're dedicated to championing the rights of disabled people, making their voices central to improving the passenger experience.

"The improvements at Dumfries station will rightly ensure that everyone can travel with confidence."

Fiona Hyslop, Cabinet Secretary for Transport, said: "The completion of these accessibility improvements at Dumfries station will be much welcomed by passengers and help encourage more people to use rail.

"I'd like to thank all those involved for delivering this on time and in keeping with the historic nature of the station. My thanks are also extended to passengers and local communities for their patience during the works."

-- Advertisement --

Amanda Naughton, scheme project manager for Network Rail said: "We are delighted to be able to provide an improved and more accessible route between platforms at Dumfries station.

"The work that has been completed will greatly enhance the experience of passengers and make it easier for them to navigate the station, while also respecting and celebrating the heritage of this beautiful station.

"We've worked collaboratively with our principal contractor STORY and train operator ScotRail to make sure this key activity was completed safely and on time.

"We thank the public for their cooperation, understanding and support throughout this project."

Paul Shopp, project manager, STORY Contracting, said: "A massive thank you to everyone involved from STORY, Network Rail, ScotRail, and our supply chain who contributed to the successful completion of the Dumfries AFA project.

"We are really proud to have played our role in delivering this transformative project that will benefit passengers at Dumfries station, our 12th Access for All scheme for Scotland's Railway.

"Our whole team worked diligently to ensure the project was completed safely and efficiently, and we are delighted to see the positive impact it will have.

"Alongside the engineering works, it was rewarding to collaborate with the local community during the project through volunteering and STEM sessions and to witness the very first passengers using the lifts."

The new accessible footbridge weighs 51 tonnes and has 2,389 individual parts, pieced together with 973 bolts.

The installation was completed using a 500-tonne crane and a 110-tonne crane to lift the superstructure into place back in December.

Open railings on the staircase and a sandstone cladding system on the lift towers have also been included to complement the station's heritage features.

An event to mark the official opening of the footbridge and lift is being planned for the coming weeks.