Work will begin this month on station upgrades at Junee and Cootamundra under a NSW Government initiative to improve accessibility and safety for rail travellers.
Member for Cootamundra Steph Cooke said Junee and Cootamundra were among 37 regional and intercity stations to benefit under the latest round of the Transport Access Program (TAP) – delivering safe, modern and accessible public transport infrastructure across the state.
“The upgrades will make these stations more accessible to those with a disability, limited mobility, carers or parents with prams and customers with luggage,” Ms Cooke said.
“Commuters at Cootamundra will get a new kiss and ride zone, an improved ticket office, upgraded stairs and better bathrooms including new family accessible toilet facilities.
“The Junee upgrade will deliver an improved station forecourt, a bus and coach stop and a kiss and ride bay on Railway Square.”
Existing accessible parking spaces at Junee station will be improved and commuters will also benefit from upgrades to paths, kerbs and ramps around the station entrance. Heritage aspects of the station will be restored and accessible bathroom facilities will be improved with an ambulant toilet for both male and female bathrooms.
Initial work will begin at both stations tomorrow, Tuesday 23 November and will include removing some existing structures and setting up temporary facilities. All improvements are expected to be completed within six months.
The contract for both sites has been awarded to local construction company Joss Group and planning approval has been granted for these projects.
Almost $600 million has been committed to TAP upgrades in regional NSW since 2011, with more than 470 projects either completed or currently underway across the state.