A NEW footbridge at Horton-in-Ribblesdale Station has been completed - but it will be next year before the accompanying lifts are installed and ready to be used.
The footbridge and lifts are part of a multi-million-pound investment to make the station safer and more accessible.
The station, which is on the Settle to Carlisle line, is close to Penyghent, one of the Yorkshire Three Peaks, along with Ingleborough and Whernside. Walkers undertaking the Yorkshire Three Peaks challenge, as well as train passengers, have in the past had to cross the tracks by using a foot crossing.
The bridge forms the new public right of way, offering a safer alternative to crossing the railway at ground level, says Network Rail. A temporary crossing is in place at the North of the station while the work to install lifts is carried out. This is expected to be completed by the summer next year.
Rory Kingdon, principal programme sponsor for Network Rail said: “The work to install a bridge and lifts at Horton-in-Ribblesdale station means a safer experience for passengers and people embarking on the Yorkshire Three Peaks walk.
“The bridge has been designed to complement the picturesque landscape it sits within, to celebrate the rich railway heritage along the Settle to Carlisle line.
“From Summer 2025, Horton-in-Ribblesdale station will be step-free, meaning it will be much more accessible for everyone.”
£1m of the funding for the project has come from the Department for Transport’s Access for All programme. The station is managed by train operator, Northern.
Local Transport Minister Simon Lightwood said: “This new bridge at Horton-in-Ribblesdale station rightly gives everyone the chance to experience the idyllic scenery the area has to offer.
“Our transport systems should be truly accessible and inclusive for everyone, and championing the rights of people with disabilities is at the forefront of our plans to overhaul the railways.”
Kerry Peters, regional director for Northern, said: “We are working hard, both here at Northern and with external industry partners, to improve accessibility at our stations – including Horton-in-Ribblesdale. The new bridge and lifts will make a real difference to the travel experience of people visiting the area and we look forward to the work being complete and available for customers to use.”
Skipton MP Sir Julian Smith, welcomed improvements at the station. "It's great to see investment going towards improving safety for passengers and walkers in this wonderful area. I'm pleased that the project keeps accessibility in mind too," he said.
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