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Designing and Detailing an “Access for All” Footbridge for Network Rail

A Technical Yet Practical Exploration into Inclusive Bridge Design, Engineering Standards, and Real-World Delivery for Network Rail's Accessibility Programme

The “Access for All” (AfA) programme, led by Network Rail, is a transformative initiative aimed at making the UK’s railway infrastructure inclusive and accessible to everyone—especially those with reduced mobility, parents with pushchairs, elderly passengers, and travellers with heavy luggage. A central component of this initiative is the delivery of fully accessible footbridges at railway stations.

Designing and detailing an AfA footbridge involves more than just engineering and aesthetics; it requires an interdisciplinary approach that balances functionality, compliance, safety, and community impact. In this blog, we’ll walk through the key stages and design considerations in delivering a compliant and cost-effective AfA footbridge for Network Rail.

Understanding the Brief and Context

Every project begins with understanding the station context and user needs. Key considerations include:
  • Station layout and constraints: Existing infrastructure, platform levels, and available space.
  • Passenger demographics: Anticipated footfall, accessibility needs, and peak usage.
  • Local authority and heritage constraints: Especially for listed stations or those in conservation areas.
  • Department for Transport - Design Standards for Accessible Railway Stations: NR/CIV/SD/TUM/400 - Eurocode Design Technical User Manual for Non-Station Footbridges

An initial site survey, topographical assessment, and stakeholder engagement session (often with the TOC, DfT, and local access groups) are essential.

Key Design Features

An AfA footbridge typically includes the following:
  • Step-free access via lifts and stairs
  • Anti-slip flooring and tactile paving
  • Adequate headroom over tracks (minimum 5.1m where possible)
  • Lighting and CCTV for safety
  • Weather protection with canopies
  • Wayfinding and signage, including braille and audio support where required

Lift Design

Lifts must accommodate a wheelchair user and companion, with a clear platform area of at least 1.1m x 1.4m. Considerations include:
  • Redundancy and reliability in all-weather conditions
  • DDA-compliant control panels
  • Integration with the bridge’s structural system and finishes

Structural and Architectural Design

Structural Approach

Depending on span and site constraints, common bridge forms include:
  • Through trusses: Economical and stiff, though visually heavy
  • Box girders: Clean appearance, allows for integral cladding
  • Warren trusses or plate girders: Often used for longer spans over multiple tracks

All designs must accommodate dynamic loadings from pedestrian traffic (BS EN 1991-2) and structural deflections under live loads. Anti-vibration and fatigue checks are vital.

Material Selection

  • Steel: Preferred for its high strength-to-weight ratio and off-site fabrication benefits.
  • Cladding: Aluminium, glass-reinforced plastic (GRP), or powder-coated steel depending on aesthetic and environmental requirements.
All designs must be reviewed by a CRE (Contractor’s Responsible Engineer) and comply with NR/L2/CIV/003 and CDM 2015 regulations.

Final Thoughts

An AfA footbridge is more than just a transport infrastructure element—it is a commitment to inclusion, dignity, and community connectivity. The challenge lies in designing a structure that is robust yet elegant, accessible yet efficient, and compliant yet cost-effective.


Whether working from feasibility or detailed design, early collaboration with Network Rail, TOCs, planners, and disability groups ensures a solution that delivers long-term value and positive public impact.

 

If you’re working on or planning an AfA scheme, get in touch—we’re always happy to share experience and support your journey to creating a more accessible rail network.

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