Greater Anglia has announced that it has started work to install a new type of footbridge at Stowmarket railway station.

The footbridge type is called ‘AVA’, and is designed to provide a step-free route from one platform to the other. It includes lifts.

Network Rail unveiled a prototype last year.

The footbridge has a modular design, which means that it can be built more cheaply and quickly.

The stainless-steel bridge is also designed to be more attractive for passengers than traditional designs. It promises to be easier to maintain and to not need painting.

Stowmarket will be the first railway station in the country to have this type of footbridge installed.

The only step-free way to cross the platforms at the stations now is via a level crossing. The new footbridge will replace the station’s existing, concrete footbridge, which will be removed.

It has taken five years already for the project to reach this stage. Access for All agreed funding for the footbridge in 2019, and two years later, Greater Anglia announced that the work would go ahead.

At that time, the operator expected to start work on the footbridge in late 2023. Two months ago, Greater Anglia announced that the work would start.

The Stowmarket project will cost £5.5 million.

Over the weekend of 11 January, engineering workers removed the existing footbridge and installed a temporary replacement. Engineers have now started further enabling works in preparation to start installing the bridge in late May.

While the work is carried out, part of the station’s car park will be used by the project team.

“Thanks to this revolutionary new style of bridge, we have been able to use Access for All funding efficiently and provide the best outcome for passengers. The innovative, modular design makes such schemes more deliverable and affordable. We want everyone to be able to have a good journey with us and the plans for Stowmarket are going to make a big, positive difference to people using the station.”

Marek Dowejko, Greater Anglia’s Asset Programme Manager