Hampden Park Station Closes Feb 8 For Footbridge Removal

A major capital refurbishment project at Hampden Park station will necessitate the removal of the pedestrian footbridge for off-site specialist work, resulting in significant passenger flow modifications for over two months. The project commences on Saturday, 7 February, and is scheduled for completion in mid-April. A full one-day closure of the station is required on Sunday, 8 February, to facilitate the removal of the primary structure by crane.

During the project timeline, passenger access between platforms will be rerouted. The only recommended route from one side of the station to the other will be via the level crossing located at the far end of the station. Passengers are advised that this route is subject to delays, as crossing barriers will be down when trains are in the vicinity. This operational constraint requires passengers to allow substantial extra time for their journeys, particularly for platform-to-platform transfers.

A critical operational change affects passengers who use Hampden Park as an interchange point. The official guidance mandates that passengers requiring a train change should utilize the nearby Eastbourne station for the duration of the works. This directive is intended to mitigate the risk of missed connections, as the time required to traverse the level crossing at Hampden Park cannot be guaranteed and may lead to significant delays. Verification data confirms this operational advice, citing construction and maintenance activities as the cause.

The core of the project involves a complex logistical operation on Sunday, 8 February. The entire footbridge structure will be lifted out by a crane and prepared for road transport to a specialist refurbishment facility. This off-site approach allows for more controlled and thorough maintenance work than would be possible in-situ. The station will be entirely closed to all train services and passenger access for the full day to ensure the safety of the operation.

The primary driver for the refurbishment is the degradation of the existing protective coating. The current paint system has reached the end of its effective service life, exposing the steel superstructure to environmental corrosion. The refurbishment program includes the complete removal of the old coating and the application of a modern protective system designed to last for a minimum of 15 years. This new coating is specified to protect the steel from weather damage and substantially reduce the requirement for future reactive maintenance interventions.

Component upgrades form a significant part of the work scope. Contractors are tasked with replacing the existing stairs and decking materials. The new components are specified to be more durable, with a designed service life of up to 25 years. A key performance indicator for the new decking is enhanced slip resistance, improving passenger safety in adverse weather conditions.

Structural integrity enhancements are also included in the project. Strengthening work will be carried out on the bridge’s primary steel structure to ensure it can safely accommodate current and projected passenger usage levels. In parallel with the structural work, new handrails and safety mesh will be installed. These additions are designed to improve pedestrian protection and prevent objects from being dropped or falling onto the active railway lines below.

The project will also deliver accessibility improvements compliant with modern standards. New tactile paving will be installed at the top of the footbridge stairways and on the platform approaches. This enhancement is specifically designed to assist customers with visual impairments, allowing them to navigate the station environment with greater confidence and safety upon the bridge’s reinstallation.

The refurbishment is classified as essential maintenance to ensure the long-term safety and viability of the station’s infrastructure. Upon completion of the off-site work, the bridge will be transported back to Hampden Park and reinstalled, after which the temporary passenger access arrangements will be removed.