scope:

Nearly all railway stations have to provide access for passengers across the railway line, and many different approaches to footbridges and subways have been taken across the rail network.

This guidance document sets out the principles and considerations for all new footbridges and subways, and offers advice on how existing structures can be adapted, renovated and brought in line with current standards.

Network Rail has commissioned standard footbridge designs, and these should be the first options when considering a new footbridge. This guidance sets out the principles of these designs, and identifies when a bespoke approach may be more appropriate.

Purpose

The document explains the challenges faced when working with existing live infrastructure, or upgrading an existing structure.

Many existing subways are poorly illuminated and inadequate, with issues such as water ingress. This document advises on how these can be invigorated and made more user friendly. Guidance is also provided on how to create a new subway, and why subways can often provide greater benefits than footbridges.

The guidance refers to a range of Network Rail and external standards that can help the user with their project.

A summary of Footbridge Requirements is provided in Appendix B. Appendix C contains assessment criteria for establishing whether footbridges require Roof Cover and whether Lift provision can be dispensed with in certain locations.