From Saturday 7 February until mid-April, there will be no footbridge available at Hampden Park station. This is while our partners at Network Rail refurbish it, to ensure the bridge remains safe and attractive for years to come.
No footbridge at Hampden Park
In February, the bridge span that runs over the railway tracks at Hampden Park station was removed by crane.
The footbridge was taken away so that the specialist refurbishment could be carried out safely, well away from the area.
Over the Easter weekend, when there was a closure of the railway line through Hampden Park, the bridge was craned back into position within the station.
Work is now underway to complete further work on-site, as planned. While this is taking place, the footbridge remains unavailable for use.
Catching a train from Hampden Park
Because you cannot use the footbridge within the station, you will need to enter the station from the correct side to catch your train.
- For trains towards Lewes / Brighton / London / Hastings / Ore / Ashford International: please enter platform 1 via the main entrance on Station Approach.
- For trains towards Eastbourne: please enter platform 2 via the footpath leading from Mountfield Road, next to the level crossing (or Brampton Road)
Crossing between the platforms
To cross between the two platforms at the station, you will need to use an alternative walking route, at street level, via the nearby level crossing on Brassey Avenue/Mountfield Avenue and Station Approach. This involves a walk of approximately 330m.
Signs are in place to show you the alternative walking route.
The map below shows the route you will need to use:
You will need to allow plenty of extra time to cross from one side of the station to the other, bearing in mind that if there are trains in the vicinity, the level crossing barriers will be down which will mean there is a short wait to cross the railway tracks. Never attempt to cross the level crossing while the barriers are down.
There is also an alternative footbridge – not managed by us - over the railway, located next to the level crossing. However, getting to or from that alternative bridge involves crossing a busy road, and there is no formal pedestrian crossing point in the immediate vicinity to allow you to cross the road safely. Therefore, we advise following the walking route outlined above, using the level crossing.
Changing trains at Hampden Park
Because the footbridge within the station is not available, changing between trains at Hampden Park will take longer than usual, as you will need to leave the station and use the alternative walking route.
We strongly advise that you avoid changing trains at Hampden Park. If you would usually connect with an onward service at Hampden Park, we recommend you to do so at Eastbourne instead.
Accessibility information
The station footbridge does not provide a step-free route between the two platforms; therefore, its temporary removal from use does not cause any change to step-free access arrangements at the station.
The usual step-free route between the platforms, at street-level via the level-crossing, continues to be available. While work on the bridge is ongoing, all passengers will need to use this route to cross from one side of the station to the other.
However, please note the alternative walking route from one side of the station to the other via the level crossing will involve a walk of approximately 330m.
Re-opening instatement of the footbridge
The bridge was successfully craned back into place over the tracks over the Easter weekend.
Work is now taking place to install electrical equipment and to carry out vital safety checks. Once these have been completed, the bridge will be re-opened for use. This is expected to be in mid-April.
Information for local residents
We know that the station footbridge is informally used by some local residents to get across the railway tracks, from one side of the station to the other. While the footbridge work is continuing, this route is not available. You will have to use the alternative walking route via the level-crossing.
Network Rail wrote to local residents to provide information about the bridge refurbishment project, including details of the main phases of the works and any potential impacts on those close to the station.
If you have any questions about the works, please contact Network Rail’s 24-hour Helpline on 03457 11 41 41.