Step-free accessibility upgrades for London Underground
Improving station accessibility is crucial for Transport for London (TfL) as it enhances inclusivity, allowing travel for all, including those with disabilities, elderly individuals, and parents with prams, to use public transportation easily and safely.
Accessibility improvements enhance the overall user experience by providing step-free access, audio-visual information, and other supportive features, leading to increased ridership and reducing additional journey times for those who need accessible routes.
Enabling step-free access on London Underground
Ramboll has worked on 15 step-free access projects, developing schemes that enhance accessibility and passenger flow by providing step-free routes from high streets to platforms and improving station environments.
Our extensive experience equips us to work across all phases of the project lifecycle from feasibility stage through to concept and detailed design stages, then supporting TfL and contractors through construction.
At feasibility stage, collaborative working and taking a holistic approach is essential in identifying a preferred option that represents best value whilst maintaining the architectural vision and meeting the requirements set by the client.
Our technical experts are experienced in addressing the challenges associated with the railway environment, including heritage constraints at some stations and resolving issues arising from proximity of existing assets such as the upgrades to cable racks holding high voltage and signalling cables.
We go beyond meeting client priorities and optimise solutions by developing engineering-driven designs. Completed studies are reviewed on the quality of the step-free access, embodied carbon, operational impact, and maintenance requirements. Value is added by our analysis of inter-disciplinary impacts on all options based on our understanding of TfL’s expectations.
Leyton Station capacity enhancement
One project in the portfolio that is now progressing through construction is Leyton Station Capacity Enhancement and Step-Free Access Project.
Since refining the feasibility stage design, Ramboll has been lead designer for this scheme which will enhance capacity, accessibility, and passenger flow at the station. Key improvements include a new station entrance and concourse connecting step-free access to platforms 1 and 2, as well as an enhanced station environment.
The multidisciplinary team provided expertise in building structures, geotechnical engineering, bridges, and infrastructure. Our lead consultant input coordinated additional services including architecture and MEP, focusing on structural efficiency, buildability, and maintainability.
As Principal Designer, Ramboll ensured health and safety management was integrated throughout all the design stages. Collaboration with contractors fostered best practices and optimised productivity in a constrained environment.
Addressing sub-surface complexities
Working earlier in the project life cycle, Ramboll has provided feasibility advice for creating step-free access at both Colliers Wood and Tooting Broadway sub-surface stations, located at the southern end of the Northern line.
Contributing as part of a multi-disciplinary team, Ramboll evaluated legacy feasibility options, proposing an alternative solution. Creating new step-free access on existing subsurface stations has added complexity as solutions typically require new tunnelling or interconnections, an area where Ramboll’s technical expertise has helped ensure the progress of the schemes.
Collaborating to meet client objectives
Across all 15 step-free access projects for TFL, through effective collaboration with project partners, Ramboll has consistently provided cost-effective, minimal-intervention solutions that aligned with the client’s objectives. The full range of services provided includes structural, civil and geotechnical engineering, signalling, permanent way, ecology, and sustainability.
Our contribution is helping to keep the capital moving while bringing heritage stations up to 21st century standards and providing infrastructure for all to access and enjoy.
"Ramboll were a pleasure to work with on this scheme. Their collaborative approach was evident throughout the project, ensuring clear communication and alignment with stakeholders. The team were extremely helpful in portraying the spatial restrictions of the sites whilst proposing an option to suit all requirements."
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