Network Rail plots upgrade for historic station

A Victorian-era Shropshire railway station is set to be modernised with a new footbridge and lifts, under plans lodged by Network Rail.

Wellington, on the Shrewsbury to Birmingham line, served around 700,000 passengers last year – but is one of the few remaining stations of its size which lacks a ramped footbridge connecting its two main platforms.

That could be about to change under plans deposited with Telford & Wrekin Council by the rail operator this month, which would see two lift shafts and a connecting footbridge installed to provide step free access across the line, and to the town’s adjoining bus station.

The proposals form part of Network Rail’s wider Access for All programme, which aims to bring station facilities across the network up to scratch, in order to meet the requirements of the Equality Act 2010.

At Wellington, the majority of the station’s buildings were constructed in the late 19th century, including a cast iron footbridge which Network Rail have now decided cannot be upgraded to provide step-free facilities.

“Network Rail have investigated the feasibility of replacing this footbridge to provide the accessible route; however, the restricted staircase widths and challenges of introducing passenger lifts within the existing Victorian station buildings meant it was not feasible,” said a covering note from Network Rail’s Town Planner.

The plans will also get a helping hand from some quirky 19th century legislation.

The line, originally constructed in 1847 and noteworthy as the only railway line in the country built by a canal company, was built under area-specific legislation which included powers to undertake future works.

Those powers not limited to the construction of the railway, but also including “all other acts necessary for making, maintaining, altering or repairing and using the railway”.

As a result of the legislation, while Network Rail are required to notify the local planning authority in advance, their plans cannot easily be refused.

Telford & Wrekin Council’s planning department will decide on the proposals in due course.

Documents relating to the application can be found on Telford & Wrekin’s planning portal, using reference: TWC/2026/0081