Because of electrification of the Paddington to South Wales main line, the passenger footbridge at Patchway station had to be raised or replaced – to give sufficient clearance above the overhead lines. It was decided to completely replace the old bridge and, at the same time, install disability-friendly lifts.
The station was closed over the weekend of last Easter for the old bridge to be removed and the deck of the new structure lifted into place. Work has then continued on the new bridge which came into use this July. Lifts have been installed on both platforms but are not yet operational although Network Rail staff, working at the station, estimate the work to be completed by early November.
Access to the eastbound platform was and still is from the station car park on Station Road.
However, access to the westbound platform was previously via the old stepped footbridge (or via a turnstile to the Rolls-Royce site) – which meant that people in wheelchairs could only access one platform (the eastbound platform No. 1). Disability campaigners have welcomed the changes at Patchway station but add that there were plenty of other stations across the region with access issues – including Weston-super-Mare, Parson Street, Nailsea and Backwell.
