Passengers at Sutton railway station, South London, will see significant accessibility improvements this summer, as Network Rail prepares to replace the station’s ageing lifts.
The project, starting on Monday 16 June, aims to enhance reliability by installing new lifts to replace the existing equipment, which has been operational since 2001 and increasingly subject to breakdowns.
Network Rail plans to undertake the replacement of all three lifts concurrently, significantly reducing the project’s overall duration. By choosing simultaneous replacement, engineers expect the new lifts to be fully operational by late September, roughly within a 12-week window. This decision contrasts with a sequential lift replacement that would have extended the works to approximately nine months, prolonging disruption to passengers.
During the lift replacement, step-free access will temporarily not be available at Sutton station. Passengers requiring accessibility services are advised to use nearby stations Carshalton or Cheam, which remain fully accessible. Transport for London bus routes provide convenient links between these alternative stations and Sutton.
Network Rail Sussex route director Lucy McAuliffe acknowledged the inconvenience caused by the temporary closure but emphasised the long-term benefits: “Replacing all three lifts simultaneously ensures minimal long-term disruption. We encourage passengers who depend on step-free access to plan their journeys ahead and utilise alternative routes during this upgrade.”
Govia Thameslink Railway (GTR), which operates Southern and Thameslink services through Sutton, has partnered closely with Network Rail to minimise disruption. Jenny Saunders, Customer Services Director at GTR, stressed the importance of the upgrade, stating: “Sutton station is crucial both as a destination and an interchange. Addressing the reliability of the lifts quickly is essential, and we urge passengers who rely on lift access to carefully plan their journeys during these works.”
Passengers needing assistance or further information are advised to consult station staff or the assisted travel services offered by Southern and Thameslink.
