Passenger information and alternative arrangements during work to upgrade the lifts at Chelmsford station

Work is taking place to replace the lifts on platforms 1 at Chelmsford station.

Work to replace the lift on platform 2 is due to be completed and is due to reopen for use on 22 April 2024

The lift on platform 1 will be replaced, with work starting on 23 April 2024 and continuing until the end of August. The lift on platform 1 will be out of use during this time.

If you can use the stairs, this work will not affect your journey.

However, if you use the lifts to help you get around the station, please note that this work will affect your journey and you may be affected by alternative arrangements while the work is being carried out.

We are sorry for any inconvenience, and we will do everything we can to help you during this period. Please see below for more details.

What is being done?

Greater Anglia is upgrading both lifts at Chelmsford to improve reliability and the facilities we provide for customers.

To minimise inconvenience to customers, we are currently putting in place measures to enable people with accessibility needs to continue to travel, including the provision of an accessible minibus and taxis, and extra staff to assist passengers.

Why is this work needed?

Both lifts have reached the end of their life. They are more likely to break down because of their age and replacement parts are extremely hard to get hold of, which could result in the lifts being out of use for longer if they did break down. Therefore, they need to be replaced with brand new ones.

It has not been possible to install a temporary stair lift because the existing stair well cannot accommodate a stair lift.

While we appreciate that this work may cause difficulties for some people in navigating the station, it is essential that it is done, and it will mean that the lifts will be more reliable in the future.

How will this affect my journey?

If you can use the stairs comfortably, this work will not affect your journey.

However, if you have accessibility needs and / or have heavy luggage, a bicycle or a pushchair, which means that you normally use the lift to access or exit the platforms, then this work will affect your journey.

In that case our advice is as follows:

  • We will have additional staff on hand to assist you with luggage, pushchairs, bicycles etc
  • We will provide alternative methods of transport, such as accessible minibuses and taxis, for anyone who will be unable to use the station while the work is being carried out. These will take you to the closest step-free station to allow you to make your journey. Please allow extra time for your journey. Further details are provided below.
  • We strongly recommend that you pre-book using our Passenger Assistance service, if you would usually use the lift (you can book up to two hours before you travel). Letting us know that you are coming and what help you need in advance will help us to be ready to assist you and we can give you information in advance that will help you with your journey. You can book assistance by using the Passenger Assist by Transreport mobile apps, phoning 0800 028 2878 (free from landlines and mobiles), or Text Type: 18001 0800 028 2878, or use the webform.
  • If you have booked assistance, please make your way to the meeting point agreed as part of your booking and make yourself known to a member of staff. We recommend you turn up at least 20 minutes before your departure.
  • If you want to travel but haven’t booked your assistance, please approach a member of staff and we will do everything we can to help you with your onward journey. Please allow extra time for your journey.

View an interactive map and tour of Chelmsford station

Map of step free route from chelmsford station entrance to platform 2

Planning your journey

Please find below details of alternative arrangements for when each lift is out of use, to help you plan your journey:

Alternative travel arrangements for work to replace the lift on platform 1 (from 23 April 2024 until the end of August 2024)

Please find below details of alternative arrangements for when each lift is out of use, to help you plan your journey:

(NB: Platform 1 is for trains to Shenfield, Southend, Stratford and London Liverpool Street)

  • During the works, people who cannot use the stairs will be unable to access or exit platform 1.
  • Instead, if you are departing from Chelmsford, an accessible minibus or taxi will be available to take you to the nearest step-free station so that you can continue your journey.
  • The accessible minibus will provide a shuttle service between Shenfield and Witham between 0700 to 2100 hours daily.
  • If you are travelling into Chelmsford, and cannot use the stairs to exit platform 1, continue on to Shenfield from where you can take another train back into platform 2 at Chelmsford for a step-free exit.
  • If you are travelling into Chelmsford on a service that does not call at Shenfield, instead change at Colchester for a train to Witham. An accessible minibus or taxi will then take you to Chelmsford.
  • Your tickets will be valid.

Further help and information

If you would like further help and information, please contact Greater Anglia Customer Relations