Work has started to develop a second entrance to the southern platform at Totton railway station.

Hampshire County Council, in partnership with South Western Railway and Network Rail, has started work to provide step-free access to the station. The improvements have been funded with a £238,000 grant from the Department for Transport's Access for All fund with additional contributions from South Western Railway and Hampshire County Council bringing the total spend to £353,000. The work is expected to take four weeks to complete.

Councillor Nick Adams-King, Hampshire County Council’s Cabinet Lead for Universal Services, said: "I'm pleased that we have secured the necessary funding to create an obstacle free route for people using Totton Station. This is an important travel link for residents and people visiting the town and these improvements will make train travel a more attractive and easier option for those who are mobility restricted."


The scheme will deliver:

• A new footway connecting the southern (westbound) platform to Totton High Street (adjacent to the Day Nursery)

• A crossing point with tactile paving on High Street. Tactile paving provides raised surface patterns on the pavement to assist visually impaired pedestrians to detect paving slabs underfoot or by using a cane.

• New street lighting along the new path

Phil Dominey, Senior Regional Development Manager at South Western Railway, said: "From speaking to our customers and stakeholders we understand the big difference that step-free access at this station will mean for the local community. We're delighted to be working with Hampshire County Council to make it a reality."