BARRY Station is getting upgraded with lifts and a brand-new footbridge.

Passengers will soon benefit from an improved travel experience at Barry Station, with a multi-million pound investment from Network Rail to upgrade accessibility.

For the first time ever, passengers using the busy station will have step-free access across platforms 2 and 3, and more enjoyable journeys with a brand-new footbridge being installed in place of the old one.

The improvements are funded by the Department for Transport and Welsh Government through the  'Access for All' programme.

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Network Rail has carried out some improvements already, including installing tactile paving on platforms and widening platform 2.

The work leads on from the recently completed 'Access for All' scheme at Cadoxton Station, and takes the stretch of railway between Barry Island and Cardiff Central one step closer to being a fully accessible line.

The site set-up for the project is due to begin July 29 2021 and will be completed by Summer 2022. Barry station will remain open to passengers throughout the work and rail services will not be affected.

Bill Kelly, Wales and Borders route director for Network Rail, said: "Making Barry station fully accessible for the first time ever will make a huge difference for passengers and improve their experience of the station.

"Step-free access benefits everyone, people with health conditions or impairments, people with children, heavy luggage or shopping and some older people.

"It’s also good for the economy and means fewer car journeys, less congestion and carbon emissions.

"I would like to thank everyone for their patience while we carry out these upgrades."

Transport for Wales CEO James Price said: "At Transport for Wales, we’re fully committed to building a fully accessible rail network for Wales and the Borders and improving accessibility at stations is a key part of this.

"We’re proud to be working collaboratively with Network Rail on improving the accessibility at Barry, and we’re looking forward to working together to develop more schemes throughout the Wales and Borders network in the years ahead."

Rail Minister Chris Heaton-Harris, said: "It is fantastic that the major upgrades for Barry Station will make the station accessible for the first time. 

"As we build back fairer, it is crucial that passengers are put first and that our network is inclusive for all users."

Passengers and members of the local community who want to find out more about the project are invited to join a drop-in session at Barry station, CF62 7AE, on Tuesday 20 July between 3pm and 6:30pm.

The Network Rail project team and contractors Centregreat will be on hand to answer questions. No appointment is necessary. Network Rail staff will be taking all necessary precautions to stay safe and prevent the spread of Covid by working within current Government guidelines.