Abergavenny Access for All Scheme for Network Rail

The Abergavenny Station Access for All (AfA) construction strategy, being carried out by Centregreat Rail for Network Rail, represents a pivotal development in the ongoing effort to make railway stations across the UK more accessible to all passengers.

The project at Abergavenny Station aims to install a brand-new, fully accessible footbridge along with lifts to connect platforms one and two, thereby eliminating barriers to mobility and ensuring a seamless travel experience for those with reduced mobility, as well as others such as elderly passengers, parents with strollers, and travelers with heavy luggage​​​​.

This initiative is part of the broader Access for All program initiated by the UK government, which seeks to provide obstacle-free, accessible routes to and between platforms at railway stations nationwide. Announced as part of the Government’s Inclusive Transport Strategy in July 2018, the program has secured additional funding to continue its efforts into Control Period 6, which includes major and smaller projects aimed at enhancing station accessibility. The importance of such projects extends beyond the immediate convenience they provide; they are also seen as vital for encouraging the use of public transport, thus contributing to the reduction of carbon emissions and reliance on car travel​​.

The AfA projects, including the work at Abergavenny, are funded by the Department for Transport under the UK Government’s Access for All programme, emphasizing the national commitment to creating an inclusive and accessible transportation network. The involvement of Centregreat Rail, a contractor selected to undertake the construction work at several stations including Abergavenny, underscores the collaborative effort between government entities, local communities, and private sector partners to achieve these accessibility goals​​.

This concerted effort to enhance station accessibility across the UK is a testament to the government's and stakeholders' commitment to fostering a more inclusive public transportation system that caters to the needs of all segments of the population, ensuring everyone can benefit from the connectivity and opportunities that the rail network provides.