The future of Hayle station

[whole diary]

[LiskeardRich]

Another 'bargin' on the railways at ^811K...where DO they get these prices from?? But glad of some improvement at Hayle TBH^▸ (to be honest)

The disused harbour branch simply needs a bit of "gardening" and "weeding" so assume the big cost isn't involved in making that a footpath.
The underpass again just needs cutting back, so I can only assume the big cost is in building a ramp.

[Chris from Nailsea]

From The Cornishman:

Passengers advised to leave extra time leaving from Hayle railway station

Passengers are being advised to leave extra time to access Hayle train station from tomorrow when the foot crossing is closed.

As part of the ^800,000 works at the station, the railway crossing is being replaced with a north-south link via the existing underpass and footbridge.

Passengers will have to access the station via the underpass when the path closes from 6.30am tomorrow.

First Great Western (FGW^▸ (First Great Western)) is reminding customers to allow an extra 10 minutes to their travel plans.

FGW Hayle station manager, Sara Rogers, said: "FGW prides itself on putting our customers first and supporting the communities we serve. We recognise the key role that rail travel has in supporting the local and national economy and we are delighted to be able to unveil this scheme.^

The joint scheme involving Network Rail, First Great Western, Cornwall Council and Sustrans is designed to create greater safety at the railway station following a fatality and five near misses in the past four years.

Work is expected to be completed by May.

[LiskeardRich]

I'm waiting at hayle now, the improvement looks great, clean and fresh, however they've not touched the underpass which looks a rusty mess. I walked from north Quay and it was great having the old freight line as a footpath, saving the walk the long way round to foundry square and up. Overall looks great other than the underpass

[Chris from Nailsea]

From the First Great Western press release:

First Great Western celebrate completion of ^800k station enhancement scheme

On 23 August 2014 First Great Western (FGW^▸ (First Great Western)), Cornwall Council, Sustrans and Network Rail celebrated the completion of an ^811,000 improvement project at Hayle station.

Work to the station now provides for safer access for passengers and increased opportunities for the local community wishing to train by train. 

Welcoming guests on behalf of FGW Property Project Manager, Tony Cole. said: ^We recognise the key role that rail travel has in supporting the local and national economy and we are delighted that this improvement work has been completed, improving access to Hayle station for all of our customers. During the previous franchise over ^85 million was invested across our network of 210 stations, by working with industry partners, the DfT^» (Department for Transport - about) and local authorities.^

The project has replaced the existing footpath crossing while the disused Harbour Branch railway line has been turned into a footpath and cycleway. New access to the south west of the station car park links the rear of platform 2 to the underpass via a ramp.

John Pollard, Leader of Cornwall Council, said: "This is another excellent example of partnership, co-operation and project management. I would like to thank everyone from First Great Western, Network Rail, Cornwall Council, Sustrans and the contractors for their positive approach and excellent work. The railway has been important to Hayle since we first built a line in 1837. I hope these improvements mark a new stage in better facilities and greater usage for this vital link."

As part of the celebrations Sustrans organised cycle rides on the new cycle path with some experienced cyclists and volunteers.

Sustrans Area Manager, Simon Murray said: ^We were delighted to be able work with our partners to deliver these local station improvements. Increasing opportunities for more integrated travel will be essential for residents and visitors to Cornwall if we are to encourage sustainable development at the same time as supporting economic growth. We hope the new cycling facilities and pedestrian access improvements are the first of many to benefit Cornish Stations and the growing interest in train travel for commuting purposes.^

Patrick Hallgate, Network Rail^s managing director for the western route, said: ^Safety on and around the railway is a top priority for us, which is why we have pledged to close a further 500 crossings across the UK^▸ (United Kingdom) by 2019. Successfully closing a level crossing is often a complex, lengthy process. I thank First Great Western, Cornwall Council and Sustrans for the help they have given us at Hayle to meet our safety target, and I look forward to continuing to work with them as we progress our closure programme and further improve safety across the South West."