New footbridge and waiting facilities installed in £7.8m upgrade at Menston railway station, Ilkley
A newly upgraded train station in West Yorkshire has reopened.
Passengers at Menston station are set to enjoy fully accessible, step‑free journeys following the completion of a £7.8 million upgrade.
An opening event was held to mark the achievement, delivered through the Government’s Access for All programme.
Chris Wright, Network Rail senior sponsor, said: “We’re very pleased to deliver step‑free access at Menston, making the station easier, safer and more welcoming for everyone.
“This investment is already making a real difference for passengers, particularly those with reduced mobility or travelling with prams or luggage. Thanks to strong collaboration with our partners and the local community, we’ve delivered the work safely and on time, and it’s a great example of how Access for All is improving journeys across the network.”
Improvements include new lifts, a modern footbridge, enhanced waiting facilities, improved CCTV and tactile paving, upgraded passenger information systems, and a refurbished accessible public right of way footpath.
The project was delivered by Network Rail, in close partnership with Northern, West Yorkshire Combined Authority, the Department for Transport and contractor Amco Giffen. The scheme was completed safely and on time, with zero accidents during construction.
“It's fantastic to see the completion of the new accessible lifts here at Menston station. They will make such a difference not only to those of us who have disability or mobility issues and find the stairs difficult but also for anybody who's got a buggy and small children,” Anna Dixon, MP for Shipley, added.
“There are so many ways in which this opens up public transport and use of the trains to everyone.”
Footbridge installation was completed three weeks ahead of schedule in October 2025, with the lifts fully entering service last week (16 February) following endurance testing.
The official ribbon-cutting ceremony took place on Friday (February 27) with the organisations which delivered the scheme, dignitaries including city and parish councillors, and members of the public.