A new pedestrian bridge is underway at Tuggerah railway station in the next stage of the major project connecting it to the Pacific Hwy and making it safer and more inclusive for all passengers.
The upgrade is part of the NSW Government’s Safe Accessible Transport program, especially aimed at people with disability, older people, people with prams or luggage and others who might be experiencing mobility problems.
Minister for the Central Coast and Member for Wyong David Harris and Member for The Entrance David Mehan were on hand on March 9 to see the first of the precast planks installed which will see the use of cranes, concrete trucks and heavy plant and powered hand tools.
The upgrade, which started in June last year, includes new lifts and stairs, a family accessible toilet and ambulant toilets, a widened platform around the entrance and the Boarding Assistance Zone for improved customer accessibility, and upgraded station entrances, including new and improved footpaths.
Fifteen accessible parking spaces will be made available in the commuter carpark, and commuters will also benefit from upgraded bus stops and a dedicated drop-off zone.
Improvements will also be made to CCTV, lighting and wayfinding signage.
Once complete the upgrade will enhance connectivity between the station and the Tuggerah Precinct and improve the public domain.
The new lifts and concourse are scheduled to open to the public in September this year with the remaining work – including platform canopies and demolition of existing footbridge and ramps – to be completed in early 2025.
Harris said the upgrade was a major win for local commuters and visitors to arguably the busiest station on the Central Coast.
“The upgrade will deliver a station precinct that is fully accessible and amenable for the thousands who use the station daily,” he said.
“We want better connected public transport options on the Central Coast and this upgrade delivers that in spades.”
Mehan said one of the most significant features would be the installation of new lifts and stairs and a new pedestrian footbridge, connecting the Pacific Hwy and station platforms.
“(These) will help ensure all commuters travelling to, from and around the Central Coast region experience equal access,” he said.
For more information about the project, visit www.transport.nsw.gov.au/tuggerah
Comparisons to building the pyramids are appropriate..lifts were promised two elections ago along with new trains and WiFi connection.
You build it. They will come..eventually..hopefully
I moved to the area 2 years ago when I think the work commenced. I haven’t seen any tangible change since. Why is progress so slow?