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Investment in new bridge as part of Network Rail ‘Access for All’ initiative

Step-free access to provide safer and easier use of station for all passengers

Dyer & Butler, a multi-disciplined engineering services specialist focused on transport infrastructure including airports, railways and highways, has been awarded a £1.5m design and build scheme to provide a new footbridge at Totnes railway station.

The project will be delivered by the Dyer & Butler rail engineering team on behalf of Network Rail as part of its ‘Access for All’ scheme, a programme managed by Network Rail and funded by the DfT, with the aim of improving accessibility at train stations. This includes installing lifts and ramps to make stations step-free and accessible to all passengers, including those with reduced mobility, children and heavy luggage.

The work undertaken by Dyer & Butler will position Totnes as a step-free railway station offering accessible routes from entrance to platform, enabling all passengers to use the station safely and easily.

Design work is already underway with works due to commence in March 2018. The new 26 metre span steel footbridge will sit between two 8 metre high towers on either side of the station platforms. The bridge, steps and step landings will be constructed of steel, with walking surfaces coated with specialist non-slip waterproof surfacing.

Once complete, each of the two towers will house a hydraulic passenger access lift. Both towers will be clad with steel profile sheeting designed to replicate painted timber cladding to match existing station buildings.

The new footbridge will be positioned away from two listed buildings located north of the station, with the existing footbridge demolished and removed once work to the new structure is completed.

Dating back to 1847, the Victorian station at Totnes serves both the Great Western Railway and CrossCountry trains.