Green light for lifts and new footbridge at Wellington station

Plans to make Wellington station step-free have been approved, with work to install two lifts and a new footbridge set to begin later this year.

The upgrade, funded through the Department for Transport’s Access for All programme, will create an accessible route between both platforms and the station entrances, making rail travel easier for disabled passengers and people travelling with luggage, pushchairs or limited mobility.

Network Rail is working in partnership with Telford & Wrekin Council to deliver the upgrade, which will also provide local people with better access between trains and buses. The new footbridge will be extended to connect directly with Wellington bus station, with the council contributing funding towards this element of the scheme.

West Midlands Railway, which manages Wellington station, is also supporting the plans and together, the improvements will create a fully-accessible interchange between bus and rail services and step-free routes to both station platforms and entrances.

Network Rail has been developing the detailed design and carrying out surveys at the station ahead of construction. Work is scheduled to start on site later this year, with the new lifts and footbridge expected to open in autumn 2027.

Adam Checkley, engineering director for Network Rail Central route, said: “This is a major milestone for Wellington and confirms that we will be on site later this year to deliver the step-free station passengers and the local community have long called for.

“Two new lifts and a new footbridge will make it easier for everyone to move between the platforms. Our partnership with Telford & Wrekin Council means the bridge will also connect directly to the bus station, creating a much better and more accessible interchange between rail and local bus services.

“We will continue working closely with the council and West Midlands Railway as we prepare for construction, and we will share more information with passengers and the local community before work begins.”

Jonny Wiseman, customer experience director at West Midlands Railway said: “We are pleased this scheme has been approved and is set to make station access easier for passengers in Wellington. Delivering an accessible rail service is a key priority for us, so we are looking forward to supporting Network Rail in its plans when construction begins later this year.”

Councillor Lee Carter, Leader of Telford & Wrekin Council, said: “We’re delighted to support these significant improvements in Wellington. Creating a direct connection between the rail and bus stations will make it easier and more accessible for people to move between services and travel around the Borough.

“Alongside the new lifts and footbridge, this will make a real difference for passengers and help improve connections in Wellington.

“We look forward to continuing to work with Network Rail and West Midlands Railway as the plans move forward.”

Passengers are advised to check before they travel at www.nationalrail.co.uk