THE first phase of the transformation of Barry railway station has been completed ahead of schedule.

Network Rail is carrying out a multi-million-pound transformation of Barry station.

This includes making it more accessible by adding a step-free option between platforms one, two, and three.

Barry And District News:

Upgrades include the installation of lifts and a new footbridge to assist passengers’ journeys at one of the busiest stations in South Wales. 

The lift and footbridge opened to the public on Friday, July 22 – a month earlier than planned.

Acting route director at Network Rail Wales and Borders, Nick Millington, said: “We’re thrilled to be able to open this footbridge and lifts at Barry station in time for the summer holidays. 

“We know from speaking to people in Barry that having a step-free access option at their local station will be life-changing, when travelling for work and leisure.”

Faye Harding, from New Horizons Day Service in the Vale of Glamorgan which supports adults with physical disabilities, added that the additions will make a “massive difference” to wheelchair users and those with limited mobility.

Barry And District News:

Funded by the Department for Transport and Welsh Government under the ‘Access for All’ scheme, the £3.3m project aims to encourage the use of public transport. 

In 2020, Cadoxton Station was upgraded with funding from the Access For All scheme. 

Accessibility and Inclusion Manager for Transport for Wales, Dr Robert Gravelle, said: “We’re fully committed to building an accessible rail network for Wales and the Borders and improving accessibility at stations is a key part of this.

“We’re delighted to have worked with Network Rail to deliver this vital new footbridge at Barry, which will significantly improve accessibility at a key station on our network. 

“We’re grateful for the guidance and support from our Accessibility and Inclusion Panel, who contributed their feedback during the design process.”

Barry And District News:

Jane Hutt MS described the opening of the new features as “wonderful” and MP Alun Cairns described it as “fantastic”.

Work at Barry station will include:

Removal of the footbridge;

  • Installing additional lighting on platform two;
  • Removing the site compound in the station car park – this is expected to take place in September.