PASSENGERS at Severn Tunnel Junction are set to benefit from increased accessibility to the station after National Rail announced plans for the installation of a new footbridge.

The 6.7m project includes a new stepped footbridge with ramps which means that people in wheelchairs will be able to access all four platforms. The new bridge will also be raised slightly to allow for the future electrification of the railway.

James O’Gorman, Network Rail’s project sponsor for the scheme, said: “The new footbridge with ramps at Severn Tunnel Junction station will make travelling by train easier and more accessible for passengers.

“We are working hard to make sure that this work is completed with minimal disruption and that a normal train service continues to operate throughout.

“This is an important part of our work to build a bigger and better railway for Wales, with a record investment over the next five years to cater for increasing demand and transform the railway in Wales.”

The project has been funded through the Department for Transport’s ‘Access for All’ scheme which is designed to improve accessibility at rail stations across Britain. The improvements to the station also include a new ticket office, tactile paving installed on the platforms and additional disabled parking bays.

The work is expected to begin in June 2015 and continue until the winter.

The station will remain open throughout during the work.

David Flint, chairman of Severn Tunnel Action Group, said: “We have been pushing for this since 2010.

“It’s good news for passengers especially those in wheelchairs who can’t currently access all the platforms.

“Caldicot station has an underpass but Chepstow station doesn’t and there is no way of people with wheelchairs crossing the line – this is something we are trying to fight for.”

He added: “We have concerns over part of the car park which will be lost during the work. We are meeting with Monmouthshire County Council and National Rail to come up with a possible solution to the problem.

“The lack of spaces at the station is an issue. There are currently 114 spaces and 200 cars are parking on the streets around Rogiet.”