WORK has started on the upgrade to Wyee Station which will include the installation of three lifts.
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The station's many steps have long been challenging for the elderly, parents with prams, people with mobility issues, and even able-bodied passengers with luggage.
Construction firm Gartner Rose began work on the first lift shaft, the central one, on Saturday.
Lake Macquarie MP Greg Piper welcomed the start of construction work at the site, and said the upgrade was good news for the wider district.
"This station doesn't just serve the growing population of Wyee, but all those people living in the northern parts of [the former] Wyong Shire and on the south-eastern side of Lake Macquarie including Gwandalan, Munmorah, Budgewoi and Blue Haven," he said.
"The lifts will make it so much easier for elderly and frail people, as well as for parents with prams and those travelling with luggage."
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Mr Piper said construction was expected to take about 12 months to complete.
"I'm very pleased that the NSW Government has prioritised and funded this project as part of its commitment to delivering safe, modern and accessible public transport infrastructure in Lake Macquarie," Mr Piper said.
"Construction is expected to take about 12 months."
The accessibility upgrade will provide:
- three new lifts to provide access to the pedestrian footbridge and station platforms;
- upgrades to the existing pedestrian pathways to improve access from the Gorokan Road commuter car park and the Wyee Road council car park;
- a new kiss-and-ride space on Gorokan Road;
- an additional accessible parking space in the Gorokan Road commuter car park;
- formalising the pedestrian crossing on Wyee Road;
- improvements to CCTV, wayfinding and lighting to increase safety and security;
- a new family accessible toilet, and improved waiting room accessibility; and
- new stairs to replace the current ramp.
"I'm very pleased that the NSW Government has prioritised and funded this project as part of its commitment to delivering safe, modern and accessible public transport infrastructure in Lake Macquarie," Mr Piper said.
The accessibility upgrade at Wyee Station is being delivered through the state government's Transport Access Program.
More than $2 billion has been committed to the Transport Access Program since 2011, with more than 470 projects either completed or currently under way across NSW.
To find out more about the project visit transport.nsw.gov.au/projects/current-projects/wyee-station-upgrade
