Chalkwell Station Closures Planned As Accessibility Upgrade Reaches Key Stage

Passengers using Chalkwell station are being advised to expect changes to access routes as work continues on a project to make the station step-free.

The accessibility scheme, being delivered by Network Rail and c2c teams now working together under the GBR Anglia banner, has reached the stage where preparations are being made to remove the existing station footbridge.

Before that can happen, a temporary footbridge will be installed so the station can remain open and passengers can continue to reach both platforms while the main construction work progresses.

The existing footbridge must be removed to create space for the new lift shafts and the foundations for a replacement footbridge. To maintain access to London-bound services from platform 1, the temporary structure will be built between the two platforms.

The temporary footbridge will have three flights of stairs, with level landing areas between them. Handrails and lighting will also be provided for passengers using the route.

Chalkwell station will close to all customers on two weekends while engineers install the temporary footbridge across the railway:

• Saturday 6 and Sunday 7 June

• Saturday 20 and Sunday 21 June

During those closures, rail replacement buses will run between Leigh-on-Sea and Shoeburyness. Passengers are being urged to allow extra time for their journeys.

The Ridgeway, the road in front of the station, will also be temporarily closed from 11pm on Wednesday 17 June until 6am on Wednesday 24 June so materials for the temporary footbridge can be delivered. A short diversion will be in place.

Once the temporary bridge is ready, access to the current station footbridge will close. Passengers will instead be directed through the station using a temporary ramp structure between the ticket hall and platform 2, before using the temporary footbridge midway along the platform to reach platform 1.

The temporary footbridge is expected to open on Monday 22 June, when access to the existing station footbridge will close and passengers travelling on London-bound services will be rerouted.

Joe Kennedy, infrastructure director for GBR Anglia said:

“We’d like to thank passengers and the local community for their patience while we continue our work to improve accessibility at Chalkwell station. The temporary footbridge and new walking route will help us keep customers moving through the station while we carry out the next phase of the project safely. This is one of the enabling stages needed to create space for the new lifts and replacement footbridge, so passengers may start to see more visible changes at the station as the project moves forward.”

Image: Network Rail