Spencer Group is set to complete works to improve access to both Hackney stations in June.
The project, which is being delivered on behalf of London Overgound, will provide a passenger walkway between two adjoining lines serving Platform 2 at Hackney Central Overground station and Platform 1 at Hackney Downs rail station. The 150m walkway will enable rail users to access both stations without leaving either station.
As part of the project, Spencer is installing new stairs and a single lift, along with the associated foundations for the enclosed steel walkway and the installation of site hoardings and compounds. Spencer will also be working on the adjustment of the existing OLE return conductor, the supply lighting, communications and security installations.
Part of the project was relocating and building a new children’s play park, which Spencer furnished, free of charge, with the latest play equipment.
James Renwick, project director at Spencer, said: “Despite the challenges faced, the team has ensured the works have progressed well over recent weeks and we are looking forward to putting the finishing touches to the project.
“With the walkway due to be completed by the end of May, we are looking to open the facility to the public in June followed by a month of site clearance and minor landscaping and car park works.
“Hackney Central and Hackney Downs are two busy commuter stations and, when complete, the works will have reduced the distance commuters have to travel to access either station from one another.”
Hackney Council’s planning committee approved Transport for London’s (TfL) application to build a footbridge between Hackney Central in Amhurst Road and Hackney Downs in Dalston Lane in February.
An estimated 165,000 people a year take the street level route to change between the two stations and, with Hackney Downs station coming into the Overground network from the end of 2015, TfL expect the number people using the footbridge to increase by an additional 150,000 passengers in its first year.
Throughout the project, Spencer is engaging with local residents’ community associations to ensure residents in the area are kept up-to-date with developments at the site.
