Anglia Access for All schemes
Network Rail Anglia is currently planning, delivering or working in collaboration with rail industry partners to make accessibility improvements at several locations on our Anglia network as part of the Government’s Access for All (AfA) programme.
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Chalkwell station
Located on the Essex coast, we’re moving forward with plans to make Chalkwell station in Southend accessible. We’ll be building two new lifts and replacing the station footbridge.
Our plans will make it easier for c2c passengers to access rail services for people with health conditions or impairments. As well as people with children, heavy luggage or shopping and some older people
Southend City Council approved the planning application on 6 May 2025. We’ve appointed contractor Octavius to deliver the scheme. Since then, we have installed a temporary footbridge to maintain access while the old footbridge is removed. Work is continuing to lay the foundations of the new footbridge, wider stairs, and the lift shafts.
Latest News
June 2026: Investment continues at Chalkwell by installing a temporary footbridge between the platforms to allow the old footbridge to be removed. Click here to read more.
July 2025: Network Rail to hold community drop-in events at Southend City Council Civic centre in August to display the plans for Chalkwell and Southend East stations. Read more by clicking here.
June 2025: Contract awarded to improve accessibility at Chalkwell station
Southend East station
Also located on the Essex Thameside line, Southend East passengers will also be benefitting from step-free access by the end of 2026.
Our plans will make Southend East station accessible by building two new lifts and a new footbridge, improving accessibility for everyone.
We’ve appointed contractor Octavius to deliver the scheme and we’ve been making good progress on site by preparing the foundations and installing the new footbridge and lift shaft structures. The northern entrance is currently closed while improvements are made to the entrance. Customers wishing to access the station from the norther side are directed to use the nearby footbridge to access the southern entrance while the norther entrance is closed.
Latest News
September 2026 – We successfully installed the new footbridge and lift shafts at Southend East station. Click here to read more.
June 2026 – Investment continues at Southend East by upgrading the northern entrance to the station as part of the work to install the new footbridge. Click here to read more.
July 2025: Network Rail to hold community drop-in events at Southend City Council Civic centre in August to display the plans for Chalkwell and Southend East stations. Read more by clicking here.
June 2025: Contract awarded for accessibility improvements at second Southend station
More information about the AfA programme can be found on our national webpage.