Biggleswade

Funding was granted in 2019, and designs took several years to produce. Construction started formally in January 2024. But in April it was paused due to discovery of adverse ground conditions, causing a further slip in expected delivery from November 2024 to, provisionally, summer 2025. (Note that the date 31 Aug 2025 represents Summer 2025 and is not a precise date)

Network Rail’s email stated: “During our recent work as part of the first stage of this project, we encountered some delivery challenges unfortunately.

“This has impacted the planned methodology for the second stage of improvements, so works will now be paused while the development team resolves these issues and the delivery plan is revised.”

Councillor Whitaker added: “My understanding is that these delays could be up to a year.”

Network Rail explained: “This decision made by the project team to pause works hasn’t been taken lightly.

“Progressing any further would risk leaving excavations open within the hoarded areas on the platforms for an extended period. During this pause, our supplier will use the time to produce extra design work.” (Biggleswade chronicle May 2024)

ℹ️

I have not set status to Stuck because the implication is that Network Rail is still committed to the project. The email above states that the “planned methodology” is being revised.

Links

Official sources

Biggleswade transport interchange

New development will see future passenger growth. A £2.3 million improvement scheme will ensure the station can accommodate demand and make it an important gateway into Biggleswade and Central Bedfordshire.

https://www.centralbedfordshire.gov.uk/info/157/biggleswade/1082/biggleswade_transport_interchange

News

2020: a critical article discussing proposals to have a bus interchange at the station & discussions between Network Rail and the council. NR produced 5 plans with lifts in different places

Is Biggleswade train station on track for step free access?

Bedfordshire Rail Access Network (BRAN) has slammed Central Bedfordshire Council and Network Rail over the alleged “lack of progress” in ensuring Biggleswade Train Station has step free access.

https://www.biggleswadetoday.co.uk/news/politics/is-biggleswade-train-station-on-track-for-step-free-access-2482436

2024

Long awaited work on step-free access at Biggleswade Railway Station to begin this weekend

Contractors will be working at the station from this weekend

https://www.biggleswadetoday.co.uk/news/people/long-awaited-work-on-step-free-access-at-biggleswade-railway-station-to-begin-this-weekend-4465555

Step-free acccess scheme for Biggleswade Railway Station delayed for another year

Network Rail has blamed unexpected 'delivery challenges’

https://www.biggleswadetoday.co.uk/news/transport/step-free-acccess-scheme-for-biggleswade-railway-station-delayed-for-another-year-4613442

Forums

Blogs/unofficial

2024: a blog by local train driver & union rep Julian Vaughan, member of Bedfordshire Rail Access Network..

Lifts at Biggleswade delayed until Summer 2025

Biggleswade station, located on the East Coast Mainline in Bedfordshire, and a growing commuter town, was awarded ‘Access for All’ funding in April 2019. Since then the project, now on …

https://julianvaughan.blog/2024/05/09/lifts-at-biggleswade-delayed-until-summer-2025/