Passengers travelling through Hither Green station in south-east London are set to benefit from major accessibility improvements, following confirmation of a GBP 28 million investment from the Department for Transport’s (DfT) Access for All (AfA) programme.
The upgrade, delivered by the South East Alliance – a partnership between Southeastern and Network Rail’s Kent Route – will see the installation of a new footbridge spanning all six platforms. The bridge will be equipped with four 16-person lifts and staircases, connecting directly to two new step-free station entrances on Fernbrook Road and Springbank Road.
Construction is already underway, with metal sheet piles being installed on either side of the railway embankment to support the new structure. The project is expected to be completed in Autumn 2027.
The improvements are designed to support the three million passengers who use the station annually, as well as the half a million who interchange there. Once complete, the station will offer full step-free access across all platforms, significantly improving accessibility for wheelchair users, passengers with limited mobility, and those travelling with luggage, pushchairs or bicycles.
Throughout the construction period, the station, including its ticket office, footbridges, and entrances, will remain open. Temporary road closures and suspended parking bays on Fernbrook and Springbank Roads may be required at times to facilitate the works, with advance notice provided to residents in collaboration with Lewisham Council.
This upgrade is the latest in a series of accessibility improvements across the region, with recent projects completed at stations including Canterbury East, St Mary Cray, Chatham, Petts Wood, Bexley, and Plumstead. Schemes at Herne Bay and Shortlands are also nearing completion.
“Hither Green is a vital piece of our rail network and these upgrades are so important for ensuring we are supporting passengers with accessibility needs. Alongside our alliance partners at Southeastern, we’re making our railway more inclusive and encouraging greener travel choices,” David Davidson, Network Rail’s Kent Route Director, said.
Share on:
