Minister for Transport Gladys Berejiklian has announced a lift would be built to Redfern Station platforms 6 and 7, making the station accessible to customers in wheelchairs and parents with prams for the first time.
Ms Berejiklian said the improvements were part of the $770 million Transport Access Program – a NSW Government initiative to deliver real improvements for public transport customers which has more than 120 projects underway or completed.
“A preferred option has been selected which will see a lift installed to platform 6 and 7 that allows customers to access frequent services into the city,” she said.
“This platform also provides access to the busy inner west line which services busy centres such as Newtown, Burwood and Strathfield.
“At the moment it is virtually impossible for people in wheelchairs to access trains at Redfern, and extremely difficult for parents with prams and the elderly, so this is a good start to ensure all customers can access the network at Redfern.
“Redfern is a large station with many challenges - there is considerable planning work being undertaken at the moment which involves examining the future of this important precinct and the rail corridor - however lift access to Redfern is a pressing issue and that is why we are providing a solution.”
Redfern Station is a major transport hub on the network, with 50,000 customers passing through the station every day. Opal electronic ticketing becomes available from 31st January for these customers.
“The NSW Government is also working on lighting and fencing around the lift area to ensure it is as safe as possible for our customers,” Ms Berejiklian said.
A secure and modern bike cage will also be built on Lawson Street, which will provide customers with a safe place to leave their bikes.
The project has now been handed to Transport Projects who will begin work on the implementation, including more specific designs and delivery and a construction timetable will be released once that work is completed.
Image courtesy Environment & Heritage/Image by Mark Dunn