More Details Revealed of Step-free Plans for Kew Bridge Station
Existing footbridge to go and platform heights may be raised
Ruth Cadbury MP (right) chats with Network Rail representatives about the plans. Picture: Ruth Cadbury
May 26, 2026
Fresh details have been released on long-awaited plans to make Kew Bridge Station step-free, following a meeting between local representatives and Network Rail (NR) last week. The upgrade, confirmed for government funding earlier this year, will see the station transformed with two new lifts and two new staircases, finally providing accessible routes from street level to both platforms.
There will be a new entrance from Lionel Road South, opposite the Brentford Community Stadium. The existing staircase to the Brentford-bound platform is expected to remain, but the current footbridge — described as too old and too narrow — will be replaced entirely.
The update follows a meeting on Friday 22 May, attended by Ruth Cadbury MP, Cllr Katherine Dunne, Network Rail and Hounslow Council. MS Cadbury said the changes were long overdue, particularly given the steep step between the platform and train. “Hounslow and NR are going to look at designs and funding to address it,” she said. “And not before time, for the sake of all but the fittest tallest passengers at Kew Bridge.”
Government funding will cover the lifts and staircases, while contributions from developers are expected to support the separate work required to raise platform heights.
The announcement builds on years of campaigning and earlier feasibility studies. In January, the Government confirmed that Kew Bridge was among the stations receiving support through the Access for All scheme, which has £50–£60 million available nationally for accessibility upgrades. South Western Railway secured eight successful nominations — the highest of any operator.
A previous feasibility study in 2019 explored step-free access from Lionel Road South once the Brentford Stadium opened, but no outcome was ever published. At the time, Hounslow Council said it was also working with Network Rail and South Western Railway to find a solution for the country-bound platform.
Nearby stations have already benefited from earlier rounds of funding: Isleworth’s new lifts opened this month, while Syon Lane gained a new lift and footbridge in 2020.
While the design details for Kew Bridge are now clearer, no timetable for construction has yet been published. Network Rail is expected to release further information once design work and funding allocations are finalised.
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