Passengers using St Erth station can now move between platforms without assistance after a long-awaited accessible footbridge and lifts were officially unveiled by Rail Minister Lord Hendy. The opening marks a landmark moment for the Grade II-listed station, which has never before offered step-free access in its 172-year history.

Rail officials and local leaders gathered on Friday morning (14 November) to celebrate the completion of the project, part of the Department for Transport’s nationwide Access for All programme. The new bridge replaces a previous arrangement in which passengers unable to manage stairs had to be shuttled between platforms by bus.

The installation of the structure was no small feat. The 50-tonne bridge deck was craned into position in October last year using a 1,000-tonne crane. Meanwhile, the station’s original footbridge has been carefully dismantled and will enjoy a new life on the heritage-run East Somerset Railway at Cranmore.

Beyond the footbridge itself, St Erth has benefited from a broader package of improvements including upgraded lighting, CCTV and platform enhancements. Network Rail says the work forms part of its continued investment in a line that plays a vital role in Cornwall’s economy, tourism and everyday travel.

St Erth, built in 1852, handles more than a million journeys a year as the interchange for the renowned St Ives branch line. It also hosts Cornwall’s first multi-modal hub, created by Cornwall Council with European funding to strengthen links between the railway, the A30 and local bus routes.

Bogdan Lupu, Industry Programme Director for Network Rail, said:

“We’re delighted to have delivered these improvements at St Erth station alongside the Department for Transport, GWR and Cornwall Council to make rail travel a better and more accessible option for all. Following the comprehensive resignalling project which we delivered last year and our work to complete the Mid Cornwall Metro scheme now in its final few days, it’s an exciting time for passengers across Cornwall. The new accessible footbridge makes St Erth an important part of that.”

Rail Minister Lord Hendy highlighted the importance of removing access barriers across the network, saying:

“It was great to open the new footbridge and lifts at St Erth station today, made possible thanks to our Access for All programme. This will make a huge difference not only for disabled passengers, but everyone who uses the station, including families holidaying to beautiful Cornwall with luggage in tow. There should be no barriers to using our railways, which is why just last week we published our Accessibility Roadmap to deliver real, day-to-day, improvements for passengers ahead of Great British Railways.”

GWR’s Business Assurance Director Joe Graham praised the partnership effort behind the upgrade, adding:

“We’re delighted to officially open these facilities, and the major improvements you can see around me – ensuring that even more people can take full advantage of the benefits that rail has to offer. St Erth is a really important station for the community, for both residents and visitors alike and we are delighted to have been able to work with Network Rail and Cornwall Council, to deliver these improvements, making the station fully accessible for the first time in its history. We know that working together means we can deliver more and we are committed to a cooperative, collaborative approach with the communities we serve.”

Cornwall Council’s portfolio holder for transport, Cllr Dan Rogerson, said the project signals progress towards a more inclusive and integrated transport system. He said:

"I am delighted to welcome Lord Hendy to St Erth today to officially open this new accessible footbridge. This investment is a major step forward in making our transport network inclusive for everyone, ensuring that passengers with mobility needs can travel with confidence and ease. St Erth is a key gateway for West Cornwall, enabling vital connections between mainline and branch line services. This improvement complements our vision for a modern, integrated transport system that supports residents, businesses, and visitors alike. By linking rail, road, and bus services through the St Erth Multi Modal Hub, we are creating sustainable travel choices that can help reduce congestion and carbon emissions while boosting our local economy. This project demonstrates what can be achieved through strong partnership working with Network Rail, GWR, and the Department for Transport, and we look forward to continuing this collaboration as we deliver further enhancements across Cornwall’s rail network in future."

Image: Network Rail