New lifts and footbridge transform accessibility at Biggleswade

Accessibility improvements at Biggleswade station have been formally unveiled, marking a major step towards making the station easier to use for passengers of all abilities.

The upgrades include a newly installed footbridge fitted with lifts, providing step-free access to and between platforms. The work was delivered through the Government’s Access for All programme and is designed to remove barriers for passengers with reduced mobility, as well as those travelling with luggage, wheelchairs or pushchairs.

A ribbon-cutting ceremony took place on Friday 16 January, attended by local representatives alongside guests from Ivel Valley College, the Biggleswade Rail Access Network campaign group, Network Rail, Great Northern, Thameslink and construction firm Story Contracting.

Throughout the scheme, the station remained operational. Main construction work began in early 2025 and was completed in December, allowing services to continue while the improvements were carried out.

Luke Durston, Network Rail principal programme sponsor, said:

“Delivering fully accessible stations is one of the most important ways we can make the railway better for everyone. Importantly, step-free stations open up rail travel as a realistic and convenient option for more people in our communities. So we’re delighted to have delivered this project at Biggleswade and to see station users already benefiting from the new lifts and footbridge. We acknowledge that this project has taken several years to complete, and we’re grateful to residents for their patience and support while the upgrades were being carried out.”

Great Northern, which operates Biggleswade station alongside Thameslink services, said the changes could open up rail travel to people who previously could not use the station.

Carl Martin, accessibility lead for Great Northern and Thameslink, said:

“We look forward to welcoming new customers at Biggleswade who previously couldn't use the station – indeed for some disabled passengers these lifts have the potential to be life-changing. Biggleswade is one of our busier stations, with almost 900,000 people passing through every year, and this is fantastic news for the community and our passengers.”

Construction contractor Story Contracting highlighted the collaborative effort behind the project.

Ash Widdop, Story contracts manager, said:

“The Access for All scheme at Biggleswade is a brilliant example of how true collaboration can deliver lasting benefits. From the outset, this project has been driven by close partnership working between Network Rail, our team and our supply chain, enabling us to overcome challenges together and deliver enhancements that will make journeys easier and more accessible for everyone. It’s fantastic to see the new lifts and footbridge now in use, opening up the station to passengers who previously couldn’t access it. This is a real achievement for everyone involved and a positive step forward for the whole community.”

Educational leaders also welcomed the improvements, highlighting the opportunities they create for young people.

Mark Tripp, chair of governors at Ivel Valley School and College and a Great Northern train driver, said:

“Travel training is a vital part of our education programme. Our students will now be able to use the rail network to explore further and to learn those vital skills that they will take into adulthood. And as a train driver for Great Northern, I’m excited that I will get to see firsthand more of my community being able to access rail services. I look forward to playing my part in their future journeys.”

Image: Network Rail