Bolton station lifts will be out of order for months

More than £570k is being invested at the station according to Network Rail.

The company, which owns and operates most of the rail network, says the improvements will make step-free access more reliable for passengers.

Work will be carried out on one lift at a time to keep the station as accessible as possible. Work on the lift for platforms four and five will start on Monday, March 4.

Work on the lift serving platforms four and five will begin in March (Image: Network Rail)

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This work will be completed in summer 2024, at which point work on the lift to platforms one, two and three will begin.

The entire project is expected to be completed in the winter.

Changes if you need step-free access

From Monday, March 4, passengers travelling from Bolton towards Preston, Blackpool and Cumbria will need to travel via Salford Crescent for step-free access.

Passengers are advised to use the lift to platforms one and three to travel towards Salford Crescent, where they can then use the step-free access there to head back northbound.

Network Rail says passengers who need step-free access are recommended to allow extra time for their journeys and where possible, book assisted travel in advance with their train operator.

The Bolton News has contacted train operator Northern asking if allowances will be made for passengers with restricted ‘advance’ tickets, which only passengers board a specific train.

Extra staff will be at the station to help passengers safely use the stairs.

Work on the lift serving platforms one to three will start in summer 2024 (Image: Network Rail)

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Kara Wood, head of performance, customer and stations at Network Rail, said: “We’re replacing the lifts at Bolton station to make step-free access more reliable for passengers.

“If you need step-free access during the work I advise you to check before you travel and allow extra time for your journey. I’m sorry for the inconvenience while this essential upgrade is carried out.”

Stephen Brookes MBE, rail policy advisor at Disability Rights UK, said: “We continue to build on our cooperative relationship with Network Rail over the imminent replacement of Bolton station lifts.

“The inclusion of disabled people to give advice on all aspects of access to the station during the inevitable disruption is that we can test the alternatives and help get it right from the start, so we are pleased to welcome such opportunities.”

Craig Harrop, regional director at train operator Northern, said: “We welcome this investment by Network Rail and the benefits these lift renewals at Bolton station will mean for our passengers.

“Whilst disruption will be carefully mitigated, customers requiring use of the lifts at Bolton station should allow more time to get around the station before and after their journeys.”

If you have a story, I cover the whole borough of Bolton. Please get in touch at jack.fifield@newsquest.co.uk or click to send me a message on WhatsApp or on Signal on 07517566383.