Network Rail, Gatwick Airport Ltd, Coast to Capital Local Enterprise Partnership and the UK Department for Transport have submitted proposals to reduce congestion and improve passenger experience at the Gatwick Airport station. The proposals submitted to Crawley Borough Council aim to reduce crowding at the station, improve passenger flow and provide better connections between the railway station, airport terminals and onward travel destinations.
Proposed improvements include: almost doubling the size of the rail station concourse; eight new escalators, five new lifts and four new stairways to improve accessibility and passenger flow; widening platforms 5 and 6 to reduce overcrowding; and better connections to the south terminal with improved passenger information. The proposals will accommodate forecast rail growth up to 2036.
It is expected that Crawley Borough Council will determine the planning application this spring and the funding parties will make a final decision on the project in autumn this year. Construction is slated to begin in 2019 and be completed in 2022.
“The proposals will transform passenger experience, support airport growth and, along with other upgrades of the Brighton Main Line …, improve journeys and provide a boost to the local, regional and national economy,” John Halsall, Network Rail manager director for the South East route, said.
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