Twickenham station is to be smartened up in time for the Rugby World Cup in 2015.
To avoid unseemly scrummaging, Platform 2 will have a greater area set aside for the public to help cope with the growing number of passengers who use the station during stadium events.
A level playing field – or at least step free access – will be introduced between the ticket office and platforms. New loos and bright lighting, smart resurfaced platforms and a new footbridge will all help fans and players on their way. The Rugby World Cup tournament starts in September.
The sport is increasingly popular overseas and Twickenham is preparing for record numbers of enthusiasts.
The improvements will provide a better station in the long term for the five million passengers who use the station every year. A total of £5.2m will be invested in Twickenham station using funding from the Network Rail and South West Trains Alliance, the government’s National Station Improvement Programme and a £1.6m contribution from local councils. Work starts this May.
