Dumfries Access for All

This project aims to provide step-free access between platforms 1 and 2 at Dumfries station by replacing the existing footbridge with a new bridge with lifts. The new bridge will support those with reduced mobility, luggage, prams, or cycles to move around the station.

This work is part of the wider Access for All programme funded by the Department for Transport and provides step-free access within stations throughout Britain. Most recently, improvements have been made at Croy and Johnstone stations and work is underway at Port Glasgow.

Work is planned to start in Autumn 2023.

The work should take approximately 8 months.

The new structure will occupy a larger footprint within the station and ten carpark spaces will be lost from the covered carpark at platform 1.

The new bridge will be positioned close to the site of the current structure but does occupy a larger footprint. The new structure has been positioned to reduce the impact on the canopy on platform 1 and will avoid any impact to the canopy on platform 2.

Unfortunately, given the nature of the work, some noise is unavoidable during the construction phase. We will do what we can to minimise disturbance for station users and the surrounding community.

Services will continue to run as normal throughout the works. Removal of the old structure and installation of the new structure will be carried out at night after trains have stopped running.

Yes, some areas of the platform 2 carpark will temporarily be required to enable the removal of the existing structure and installation of the new bridge and lifts.

Dumfries and Galloway Council’s Planning Applications Committee have approved Listed Building Consent for access improvements to Dumfries station.

The application for listed building consent was submitted in June 2023 following an engagement event with the community to showcase the proposed designs.

Dumfries station is a category B listed building, and the designs were developed to be sympathetic to the look and feel of its historic character.

Following a consultation response from Historic Environment Scotland, the original design has been slightly updated to take their recommendations on board. A gentle curve to the bridge has been introduced by lifting the deck 200mm in the middle and the lift towers will now have a mid-grey cladding panel which is slightly darker than the original colour.

To better accommodate motorised scooters the internal dimensions of the lift tower have been changed to make them less square.

Access to the ticket office and café should not be affected. There may be some temporary noise during construction activity, however, our team will do what they can to minimise any disturbance. The waiting room on platform 2 may need to be closed for part of the works for a limited period.

There may be some temporary changes to access points during the works, however, customers will be advised of these in advance.