Greater Anglia has announced the completion of the installation of a new accessible footbridge at Stowmarket station, marking a milestone in efforts to improve step-free travel for passengers. The structure, known as an ‘AVA’ bridge, is the first of its kind and was put into place over two days at the end of November. Once testing and finishing works are complete, it is expected to open to the public in early 2026.

The installation was a sizeable operation, carried out across 47 hours using a 500-tonne mobile crane along with a Hi-Ab lorry loader to manoeuvre each section into position. Five precision movements were required, including the lift of a 29-tonne staircase segment now forming part of the span. Newly released images from 3 December show the scale of the lift as the pieces were lowered into place.

Designed as a modular structure, the bridge offers quicker assembly and lower costs than traditional steel-and-concrete footbridges. Crucially, it includes lifts built into the layout, offering easier platform transfers for those with mobility needs, pushchairs or luggage. Constructed from stainless steel, the bridge is intended to be durable, attractive and low-maintenance, removing the need for regular repainting.

The £5.5 million scheme replaces the old concrete footbridge and forms part of wider improvements funded through the Government’s Access for All programme. At present, the only step-free alternative at Stowmarket is the level crossing, making the new bridge a significant accessibility upgrade for local rail users.

Andrew Goodrum, Infrastructure and Projects Director for Greater Anglia, welcomed the progress.

“The new, first-of-its-kind footbridge has been successfully installed at Stowmarket and is due to open in the first quarter of 2026, following the completion of on-site testing and final project works. This upgrade will mark a significant step in enabling easier, more accessible journeys for passengers using and changing trains at Stowmarket station. We are looking forward to completing the project to provide this revolutionary new footbridge, complete with lifts, for our customers.”

Image: Greater Anglia