Lift improvement works at Smethwick Galton Bridge

Passengers using Smethwick Galton Bridge station are being advised that some lifts at the station will be temporarily out of use from tomorrow (Wed 8 Jan) for improvement works.

The works, which are being carried out by Network Rail, will renew all the lifts at the station to improve their reliability. The work will take place in two phases, meaning only partial access to platforms at the multi-level station will be available.

Brenda Lawrence, head of stations for West Midlands Railway, said: “We thank our customers for their patience while Network Rail carries out this essential improvement work.

“Passengers requiring the use of lifts at Smethwick Galton Bridge are advised to check their journeys before travelling and consider alternative routes if necessary.”

Details of works:

Phase 1: January-March 2020

Passengers will not be able to use the lifts serving the low-level Wolverhampton to Birmingham New Street line, including through services to London and Liverpool.

This means passengers requiring lift access will not be able to change from Moor Street/Snow Hill trains onto the low-level platform and anyone using trains between Birmingham New Street and Wolverhampton will need to use stairs to access the platforms. Passengers travelling on the high-level Moor Street/Snow Hill line will be able to access the platforms from the street as usual.

Phase 2: April-July 2020

Once Phase 1 is complete, work will switch to the remaining lifts at the station. This will mean the lifts from street level and the ticket office to the Moor Street/Snow Hill platforms will be unavailable.

However passengers will be able to interchange between the high and low level platforms using the newly-refurbished lifts completed during Phase 1.

ADVICE TO CUSTOMERS

Any passengers requiring access to a lift to change trains at Smethwick Galton Bridge during Phase 1 is advised to replan their journey to change at Birmingham Moor Street/Birmingham New Street. Passengers travelling to/from stations south of Droitwich Spa should opt for the direct service into Birmingham New Street to make an easier change for destinations such as London, Birmingham International, Wolverhampton and Liverpool routes.

For people travelling to the Smethwick area, the nearest accessible stations will be Sandwell & Dudley, The Hawthorns or Rowley Regis. For anyone wishing to travel by bus as part of their journey, the 87 bus connects Sandwell & Dudley, Smethwick Galton Bridge and Birmingham city centre

Any customers who have pre-booked Passenger Assistance support (and will require lift access) should contact the accessible travel booking service they used to make the original request.

For any further advice or questions about your journey and alternative travel arrangements please contact accessibility@wmtrains.co.uk or call 07970 447880.