Chalkwell station is set to become fully step-free for the first time, following the award of a major contract by Network Rail to infrastructure specialists Octavius.
The works, which form part of the Department for Transport’s nationwide ‘Access for All’ scheme, will significantly improve accessibility at the station – making it easier for passengers with reduced mobility, pushchairs or heavy luggage to move between street and platform level.
The project will also see the removal of the existing footbridge, which is nearing the end of its design life, as well as the demolition of a long-disused goods lift shaft that has sat unused at the rear of the station building for over 40 years.
Two new lifts will be installed, alongside a brand-new modern footbridge and stairs.
Network Rail is delivering the upgrade in collaboration with the train operator c2c and Southend City Council.
Preparatory works are due to begin this summer, with a temporary footbridge and stairs to be constructed ahead of the removal of the old footbridge this autumn. The full project, including the new lifts, is expected to be completed by the end of 2026.
Network Rail has confirmed that a public drop-in event will be held ahead of the main construction phase to give passengers and local residents a chance to ask questions and view the plans. The date of the session is yet to be announced.
Katie Frost, Network Rail’s route director for Anglia, said:
“We’re committed to making our railway more inclusive and better connected for the communities we serve. Improving station access will help more people travel independently and with confidence and working with our partners, we’re now taking an important step toward delivering these benefits at Chalkwell.”
Donna Thorpe, asset director at c2c, said:
“These works mark a historic stage in the improvement of the Chalkwell station which when complete, will hugely benefit the local community and all those using the c2c rail service.
“We recognise that while these take place, there will be unavoidable changes to our customers’ experience of the station. To ensure these changes are as minimal as possible, we will continue to work closely with Network Rail, Octavius Infrastructure Ltd and Southend City Council.”
Isayas Tecleberhan, Octavius Infrastructure Framework director, added:
“We’re proud to have been awarded the Access for All works at Chalkwell Station and would like to thank Network Rail for the opportunity to continue our successful partnership.
“Delivering step-free access through the installation of lifts and a new footbridge will make a meaningful difference to passengers, and we look forward to working collaboratively to deliver this important scheme safely, efficiently, and to the highest standard.”
Alongside the accessibility improvements, Network Rail is also supporting Southend City Council’s separate project to replace the 115-year-old beach access ramp next to the station. The ramp has been closed due to safety concerns and will be demolished later this year.
At a public meeting held on 27 May, the council confirmed that demolition is scheduled for September, subject to planned track possessions with Network Rail.
Responding to questions from residents, the council said that earlier demolition was not possible due to the complexity of closing the rail line, which would impact services across the route beyond just Southend and Chalkwell.
Temporary diversions to the beach are now in place from the station, which are signposted.
Previously addressing concerns about the timing of the closure ahead of the summer, Cllr Daniel Cowan, leader of the council, said: “The ramp was built in 1910 using an early form of reinforced concrete and has far-exceeded its design life. It has been kept safely open beyond expectations through careful maintenance and monitoring.
“Despite these efforts, recent inspections have revealed significant further deterioration, which poses an increased safety risk. After careful consideration, the council has taken the necessary decision to close the ramp as the safety of the public is our absolute priority.
“The council is committed to working closely with Network Rail on a solution to reinstate safe access between Chalkwell station and the beach, as soon as possible on a temporary basis as well as a permanent replacement for the ramp.”
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I think that Chalkwell station does deserve to have lifts installed. Just like at Leigh-on-Sea that is already step-free. Plus Prittlewell station on the Southend Victoria line needs massive improvement including replacing the old footbridge.