Hither Green station Access for All improvements
We’re installing a new footbridge with four new lifts and staircases. The creation of two new entrances will provide step-free access between platforms.
As part of the Department for Transport’s (DfT) nationwide Railway Access for All (AfA) strategy, we’re installing a new footbridge spanning across all six platforms with four new 16-person lifts and staircases. The creation of two new accessible station entrances at Fernbrook Road and Springbank Road will provide you with an accessible route throughout the station and to and from platforms at Hither Green station.
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October 2026 update
A major milestone has been reached in improving accessibility at Hither Green station for Southeastern passengers.
On Friday 2 October, the new footbridge linking all platforms opened to passengers as part of the Access for All programme.
The footbridge has been installed and tested, marking a major step towards improving accessibility and passenger movement. It will eventually connect the platforms with the new station entrances on Fernbrook Road and Springbank Road.
The programme also includes four new 16-person lifts, staircases and a link passageway between platforms 4 and 5.
Once complete, the new facilities will provide step-free access from street level to the footbridge and all platforms, improving access for disabled passengers and those travelling with luggage or pushchairs.
Engineers are ahead of schedule on the £28m Department for Transport-funded programme. Completion is now planned for spring 2027, when step-free access from street to platform will be available for the first time.
New CCTV, a public address system, customer information screens, a ticket vending machine and Oyster card readers will also be installed.
The adjacent nature reserve will also be restored, with replanting to support environmental recovery and biodiversity.
Network Rail is managing the programme, with principal contractor BAM Nuttall Ltd delivering the construction alongside architects Fereday Pollard & Partners and civil engineering designers Arcadis. McNealy Brown Ltd is fabricating and installing the main structure. The programme is expected to be fully complete by spring 2027.
Project timeline
Enabling work began in November 2024. Construction started in March 2025, and is expected to be completed in Autumn 2027.
What work is taking place?
The work includes:
- Installation of a new linear footbridge
- Installation of four new lifts and staircases
- Creation of two new accessible station entrances at Fernbrook Road and Springbank Road.
- Widening of platform 1 and platform 6
- New link passageway connecting platforms 4 & 5
- Installation of CCTV, public announcement systems (PA) and customer information screens (CIS)
- Fencing, landscaping, replanting and reinstatement of the nature reserve
This project is being managed by Network Rail, with the construction work being delivered by our supply chain partner and principal contractor BAM Nuttall Ltd.
When is the work taking place?
The enabling work, which include de-vegetation and the removal of trees to facilitate the construction of the new structures, started in November 2024.
In January 2025, we started diverting existing railway assets and undertaking ground surveys in preparation for the commencement of the main construction work which started with piling in early March 2025.
We started constructing the foundations for the new footbridge in Spring 2025. The steelwork installation for the new footbridge started in Autumn 2025 with the lifts opened to passengers by Autumn 2027.
Most of our work will take place Monday to Friday during daytime hours 07:30 – 18:00 and will not affect train services.
Due to the nature of our work, there may be occasions where we have to work overnight or during weekends, including when trains are not running and the station is closed. To minimise disruption this will be completed during existing planned maintenance closures of the railway and we will endeavour to keep any disturbance to a minimum.
Upcoming weekend line closures
There will be a requirement to utilise line closures and we will keep you updated on all future railway closures to support the project.
Check before you travel
How will this work affect me?
Station access
During the construction period, access to the station via the subway entrance and staircase entrance off Springbank Road will continue as normal. However, access may be restricted at times to facilitate the construction work, in which advance notice will be provided.
Why is the work needed?
Hither Green station is served by Southeastern and is a key interchange for passengers travelling on the South Eastern Main Line. The station sees around three million entries and exits a year as well as around half a million interchanges.
These planned upgrades are critical for further improving accessibility on the railway in south east London and Kent. Currently, passengers with accessibility requirements who need to interchange at Hither Green either must go into central London, change and then come back out again; or take a bus/taxi to Lewisham. Once complete, these upgrades will remove this issue, considerably reducing the time and inconvenience for those passengers.
Frequently Asked Questions
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Get in touch
For more information email communityrelationssouthern@networkrail.co.uk, call our National Helpline on 03457 11 41 41 quoting Hither Green Access for All Project, visit our contact us page, or follow us on X @NetworkRailSE.