A councillor has said they ‘disappointed’ that no disability-friendly features are part of a new railway footbridge set to open next month, despite lobbying with project managers at ‘senior level’.
The Tan House footbridge, which can be used from November, straddles two railway lines between the Ormonde Road allotments and the Carnival car park in Wokingham.
It comes in replacement of two bridges – a temporary scaffold bridge and an old concrete one. The replacement can be used for up to 120 years.
Wokingham Borough Council gave permission for the plans in February 2023 on the condition that Network Rail would improve the design for disabled, pram and bicycle users.
But pictures revealed by the council last week showed the footbridge to have no such features.
Now, Network Rail and Wokingham Borough Council have said that while accessible features can be built in the future, this can only be through external third-party funding.
Those who cannot use the footbridge without a ramp will have to take a 13-minute diversion through Ormonde Road, Barkham Road and Wellington Road.
Network Rail has said that the design of the bridge means it is possible for upgrades, such as ramps or lifts, to be installed in the future.
As well as securing funding, it would require using land owned by the council – which would have delayed the project even more, according to Network Rail.
Councillor Paul Fishwick, executive member for active travel, transport and highways said: “We lobbied Network Rail at senior level about making this replacement bridge accessible for all our residents.
“We are disappointed that Network Rail did not comply with what we see as their responsibility to meet the requirements in the Disability Discrimination Act 1995, which says that a project like this needs to be accessible to all people.”
The executive member added that the council will continue to work with Network Rail and hopes to find a solution soon.
A petition against the current design had gained more than 300 signatures last year, organised by the Wokingham active travel community hub.
The project faced delays after one of the suppliers fell into administration earlier this year.
A Network Rail spokesperson said: “We are naturally keen to ensure the railway is accessible for all and remain committed to continuing to work with Wokingham Borough Council to identify third party funding options for accessibility upgrades.”
