Passengers using Metheringham station are set to benefit as Network Rail gives the station a revamp. The £500,000 project will see the station’s two platforms rebuilt, new waiting shelters constructed and new lighting installed. New level access ramps to each platform will make the station fully accessible for the first time.

Network Rail’s Area General Manager Graham Botham said: “As the national rail infrastructure operator, Network Rail is committed to investing in the rail network to improve facilities for passengers.  This scheme will bring real benefits to all who use the station.”

The project will see the two platforms at Metheringham reconstructed using the latest modern materials and incorporate tactile paving to aid the visually impaired.  To ensure the station can remain open for passengers while work is carried out, the work will be completed in two phases.  Central Trains – which manages the station - will continue to serve the station with its normal timetable throughout the project.

Nigel Carlisle, Route Manager for Central Trains, said: “We’re delighted to work with Network Rail to completely overhaul Metheringham station, and our trains will continue to call there throughout the project.  Metheringham has had a station since 1882 – apart from a few years in the 1960s and 70s – and we want to ensure catching a Central train from there is a pleasant experience for our passengers.”

Work starts on 18 November and is scheduled to be completed by the end of March 2007.

* Network Rail is investing £570,000 in the project to renew Metheringham station. The platforms, of timber block frame construction will both be replaced with modern equivalents incorporating tactile paving
* Modern lighting will be installed along with a new waiting shelter on each platform
* New level access ramps constructed to each platform will aid those with disabilities using the station and make it fully DDA compliant
* Work will take place in two phases. Phase 1 will see both Lincoln ends of the platforms reconstructed, followed by work at the Sleaford ends. This will enable the station to remain open throughout. Most Central Trains services serving the station only have one car so there will be no noticeable effect on passengers. The two car services which operate in peak times will have selective door opening to ensure passengers can continue to use the station safely
* Most work will take place at the weekend to minimise disruption to passengers (there is no Sunday service serving Metheringham station)