Network Rail has announced plans to build a new £3.5m accessible footbridge at Royston station to help Govia Thameslink Railway passengers switch platforms more easily.

Installing the new footbridge will bring back a direct pathway between the two platforms, and two new lifts will provide a vital accessible route.

This will make is easier for passengers – particularly those with limited mobility, luggage, pushchairs or bikes – to use the station, without needing to use Old North Road.

The new plans were announced at the station on Monday, where I joined Network Rail and Govia Thameslink Railway representatives.

Commenting, Sir Oliver said: “I welcome this announcement which will greatly benefit Royston passengers, in particular families and those with limited mobility. It will be a huge improvement.”

Jonathan Ham, Lead Portfolio Manager for Network Rail said: “People in Royston will no longer need to use a diversion to simply switch platforms at the station – and the new lifts will help everybody have the confidence to use the station independently.  I’d like to thank passengers for bearing with us while we worked on these plans, and I’m looking forward to seeing the new bridge come to life this year.”

Tom Moran, Managing Director of Thameslink and Great Northern said:  "This is really great news for our customers at Royston and will open up the railway at this station to so many more people"

The original bridge was closed in 2020 to keep people safe after Network Rail found serious problems with the structure. Construction on this major project is set to start in Spring 2022 and complete by early 2023.