‘Footbridge would benefit rail users’

The public transport company confirmed this week that it is looking at the issue after it was raised with management by local councillor, Ken Robinson.

Now that platform extensions are in place at the station and a 64-space park and ride facility is due to open in the coming weeks, the former East Antrim MLA believes a footbridge would be of great benefit to rail service users.

Mr Robinson, who is Newtownabbey’s representative on the Larne Line Passenger Group, said: “Unfortunately many years ago the footbridge at Jordanstown was removed. However, with the advent of the new 4000 series CAF trains on the Larne Line and the provision of a park and ride site, improving passenger numbers over recent years are now forecast to increase still further.

“Commuters who wish to access the Belfast bound platform from the car park will first have to travel the full length of the Larne bound platform (before crossing the tracks). They will then have to wait until the level crossing barriers are raised, which happens after the train has entered the station. This problem could be readily solved by the restoration of a footbridge and I have already spoken to NIR representatives regarding this matter.

“While the new lighting, signage and CCTV installations together with the provision of free, secure parking adjacent to the station all add to the improved approach by the authorities to the travelling public, the final piece of this particular jigsaw would be to reinstate the footbridge and thereby reduce the length of the journey between their cars and the trains by a considerable distance.”

Responding to the UUP man’s comments, a Translink spokesperson said: “The possibility of reinstating a footbridge at Jordanstown Station has been raised by councillor Robinson with Translink management and we are currently reviewing the feasibility with our infrastructure team.”