A new footbridge has opened at Royston station, after the previous bridge closed in 2020 for safety reasons.
Govia Thameslink Railway (GTR) and Network Rail are opening the replacement footbridge in phases, with further work to install lifts to the structure set to be completed in early 2024.
Opening the footbridge now means station users will no longer have to use the bridge on Kneesworth Street to switch platforms.
GTR's customer services director, Jenny Saunders, said: "The new footbridge is great news for our customers.
"It’s a welcome milestone on this huge investment that will make the railway here easier to use for many people.
"These big projects, together with the smaller related improvements we’ve made, are crucial parts of our drive to create a more accessible and inclusive railway, where everyone has the confidence to travel no matter what their need for assistance."
Network Rail started work on the multi-million pound project in November 2022, and - once fully complete - the new bridge will provide step-free access between platforms.
This is intended to benefit those with limited mobility, families with pushchairs and travellers with heavy luggage.
GTR has also built a new step-free route from the main entrance to platform one, via the car park.
This includes a 35-metre pavement with handrails and dropped kerbs with tactile paving.
Jonny Ham, lead portfolio manager for Network Rail, said: "It’s positive news for passengers that the new footbridge at Royston railway station has now been built, and that station users no longer have to exit and re-enter the station to move between platforms.
READ MORE
- Royston Runners don festive costumes for Christmas run around Bassingbourn
- Royston Young People's Centre to close permanently due to 'financial challenges'
"There is still further work to do as we need to install lifts to the bridge. This has taken us longer than planned, and we’re sorry for the delay.
"We look forward to completing this work and opening up travel opportunities for more people."
The original bridge was closed in 2020 to keep people safe, after Network Rail found "serious problems" with the structure.
Plans to build the new footbridge were announced at the station last year, with North East Herts MP Sir Oliver Heald welcoming the development.
Comments: Our rules
We want our comments to be a lively and valuable part of our community - a place where readers can debate and engage with the most important local issues. The ability to comment on our stories is a privilege, not a right, however, and that privilege may be withdrawn if it is abused or misused.
Please report any comments that break our rules.
Read the rules here