Passengers at Leatherhead station are now benefiting from significantly improved accessibility following the completion of a £6.2 million upgrade led by Network Rail and funded through the Department for Transport's 'Access for All' programme.

The major enhancement includes the opening of a new fully accessible footbridge and two lifts, each capable of carrying up to 16 people, providing step-free access to all platforms. The improvements are a welcome development for passengers who use wheelchairs, have limited mobility, or travel with pushchairs, bicycles or heavy luggage.

Lucy McAuliffe, Network Rail’s Sussex Route Director, said: "I'm delighted that we’ve been able to open our latest Access for All scheme at Leatherhead, which will provide step-free access to those in wheelchairs, or with pushchairs or heavy luggage to be able to reach their trains.

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"We want our railway to be as inclusive as possible and Access for All is opening up travel by rail to more and more people. Leatherhead is just the latest station to be completed with more to come across our network over the next few years. Work has also started on a major scheme at Hither Green, and another project at Herne Bay has just been completed."

Although Leatherhead station was previously designated as step-free, passengers were forced to navigate a steep and lengthy route under a railway bridge to move between platforms without using stairs. The new infrastructure addresses that challenge directly, making transfers quicker and easier.

Construction began in January 2024, with the station remaining fully operational throughout the works. Additional enhancements include new CCTV cameras, upgraded lighting, minor ramp improvements, and platform 2 widening to accommodate the lift installation. The original stair-access subway remains open for those who prefer that route.

To support sustainable travel, Southern has complemented the scheme with upgraded cycle facilities. A new secure cycle hub on platform 1 now houses 26 bikes with a pump and maintenance station, all protected by key fob access. On platform 2, a new double-decker bike rack accommodates a further 32 bikes, along with designated parking for six motorbikes. CCTV and lighting improvements further boost safety and security for cyclists.