Concept designs revealed for improved accessibility at three Blue Mountains train stations

Community members are invited to have their say on the final concept designs for accessibility upgrades at Woodford, Lawson and Mount Victoria train stations in the Blue Mountains.

The local geography, approaches and existing rail infrastructure as well as feedback from targeted stakeholders about existing access at the three stations have informed the accessibility upgrade designs.

Artist’s impressions and maps of the planned upgrades have also been developed and include proposed new lifts, ramps, disabled parking and bus shelters.

The upgrades fall under the NSW Government’s Safe Accessible Transport (SAT) program which aims to make public transport safe, inclusive and easy to use for all passengers, especially people with disability, older people, people with prams or luggage and others who may be experiencing mobility problems.

A Transport for NSW spokesperson said the program would upgrade stations to achieve Disability Standards for Accessible Public Transport (DSAPT) compliance, improving amenity, access and safety and acknowledging the important role these locations have to the communities they serve.

“Throughout 2024 and 2025, Transport for NSW consulted with various groups including people with disability and carers of people with disability, Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people, to inform the draft concept design,” the spokesperson said.

“Various groups have also been engaged for input on the designs, including Blue Mountains City Council, the Blue Mountains City Council Access Advisory Committee, People with Disability Australia, Guide Dogs Australia, as well as people with disability and carers of people with disability living in the area.

“We have also worked separately with women and girls from the local community through a Safer Cities Program workshop.

“These engagements provided insights into the opportunities we have available to improve passengers’ experiences.”

These three station upgrades are currently funded for design and planning to concept design. Subject to receiving further funding, Transport for NSW will then carry out a Review of Environmental Factors and community consultation for planning approvals.

“While the NSW Government has not yet made funding available for delivery of the station upgrades, the feedback provided will be valuable in finalising the detailed design for future delivery,” the spokesperson said.

“Pending funding and prior to the project delivery, the station upgrades would also need Review of Environmental Factors (REF) for planning approval and detailed design development prior to commencing construction.”

The proposed designs for each station upgrade include:

• New lifts to provide access to station platforms and surrounding areas
• Upgraded station forecourts to improve access and enhance customer experience
• Upgrading the waiting rooms and existing toilets to be family accessible
• Improving access to accessible parking spaces, taxi zones and upgraded kiss and ride spaces
• New hearing loops and tactile indicators
• Safety improvements including lighting, CCTV and wayfinding signage.

Feedback which has been received and incorporated into the concept designs for these station accessibility upgrades so far includes:

• Accessible (DDA) parking needs to be located at the closest entry and exit point of the carpark to the station and via a continuous path of travel
• Ensure lifts are installed to provide access to the station platform with sufficient space on the platform for safe wheelchair/ scooter reversing and turning circle in front of the lift
• Install ramps with lower gradients and handrails on either side
• Install tactile ground indicators, especially near tunnel entry and exit points
• Limited availability of amenities such as accessible toilets
• Increase safety and security measures such as additional CCTV cameras, emergency help points and mirrors for better visibility that could make the stations feel safer at night.

To view the concept designs and provide feedback, please visit www.haveyoursay.nsw.gov.au/design-accessible-stations.

Feedback from community members on the concept designs for these stations is welcome until Friday 26 September and will be considered in the next phase of detailed design development.