Good afternoon everyone!
I couldn't find a thread on this, so I decided why not create one? Hither Green station is currently going through massive works to make it fully step-free. Encompassed is a new footbridge and lifts, together with two new entrance buildings on either side of the tracks serving Springbank and Fernbrook Roads.
For those not familiar with the station, the current station is primarily accessed by two means (in red on the rough map): a stepped entrance from Springbank Road, and a ramp leading from an tunnel crossing under the tracks. This ramp makes the station partially step-free, but only serves platforms 4 (from London, Sevenoaks-bound) and 5 (ex-Dartford, towards London). Given these are on different lines, someone going to and from London (and stations in-between) would need to be strategic as to what trains to take if needing the ramp. The ramp itself is rather steep and pretty uncomfortable to use even as an able-bodied person. Access to the other platforms is continued via two narrow footbridges (blue) which can get very crowded during the evening peak.
Anyway, since moving here in October 2024, I've been able to casually photograph the activity on my way to work. There is loads still to be done - the works not to be completed at least until the Autumn of 2027 - but it looks to be all coming together. I will now just bomb you all with the photos I've taken so far; will attempt to leave some commentary, but appreciate any additional comments or corrections from you lot.
These first photos of mine were taken in January and March 2025 following the clearance of the 'forest' between the two diverging lines at the station, allowing for construction access routes to be established. Looking rather bleak right now.
Things began to ramp up through May and June with the introduction of mobile cranes on the 'forest' and the Springbank Road site, and the rise of the scaffolding for the lift cores on platforms 1 and 2/3. You can also see the works on Springbank and Fernbrook Road's new entrance with the ramming of the steel sheet piles into the ground.
Carrying on, through to August, the foundation is getting laid down for the lift core between platforms 4 and 5.
A lot of the progress up to now has been in this area, so that's what most of the photos up till now will be taken of. Towards October, the lift core frame is assembled for both platform 4/5, 2/3, and Springbank Road (I didn't manage to get a photo of this one). You can also see that the first supports for the footbridge have been constructed.
Then through November and December, the brick cladding quickly rises up to form the lift core for platforms 4/5.
Those for platform 2/3 and Springbank Road are also beginning to rise up in December, a bit behind from platform 4/5. Construction for platform 6's lift core doesn't look as advanced, but I will take another look in the New Year.
All done for now. Hope you all enjoy these, and I do look forwards to continue photographic these exciting works!
I couldn't find a thread on this, so I decided why not create one? Hither Green station is currently going through massive works to make it fully step-free. Encompassed is a new footbridge and lifts, together with two new entrance buildings on either side of the tracks serving Springbank and Fernbrook Roads.
For those not familiar with the station, the current station is primarily accessed by two means (in red on the rough map): a stepped entrance from Springbank Road, and a ramp leading from an tunnel crossing under the tracks. This ramp makes the station partially step-free, but only serves platforms 4 (from London, Sevenoaks-bound) and 5 (ex-Dartford, towards London). Given these are on different lines, someone going to and from London (and stations in-between) would need to be strategic as to what trains to take if needing the ramp. The ramp itself is rather steep and pretty uncomfortable to use even as an able-bodied person. Access to the other platforms is continued via two narrow footbridges (blue) which can get very crowded during the evening peak.
Anyway, since moving here in October 2024, I've been able to casually photograph the activity on my way to work. There is loads still to be done - the works not to be completed at least until the Autumn of 2027 - but it looks to be all coming together. I will now just bomb you all with the photos I've taken so far; will attempt to leave some commentary, but appreciate any additional comments or corrections from you lot.
These first photos of mine were taken in January and March 2025 following the clearance of the 'forest' between the two diverging lines at the station, allowing for construction access routes to be established. Looking rather bleak right now.
Things began to ramp up through May and June with the introduction of mobile cranes on the 'forest' and the Springbank Road site, and the rise of the scaffolding for the lift cores on platforms 1 and 2/3. You can also see the works on Springbank and Fernbrook Road's new entrance with the ramming of the steel sheet piles into the ground.
Carrying on, through to August, the foundation is getting laid down for the lift core between platforms 4 and 5.
A lot of the progress up to now has been in this area, so that's what most of the photos up till now will be taken of. Towards October, the lift core frame is assembled for both platform 4/5, 2/3, and Springbank Road (I didn't manage to get a photo of this one). You can also see that the first supports for the footbridge have been constructed.
Then through November and December, the brick cladding quickly rises up to form the lift core for platforms 4/5.
Those for platform 2/3 and Springbank Road are also beginning to rise up in December, a bit behind from platform 4/5. Construction for platform 6's lift core doesn't look as advanced, but I will take another look in the New Year.
All done for now. Hope you all enjoy these, and I do look forwards to continue photographic these exciting works!
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