A step closer to step free

The project received a boost from our Sittingbourne factory which generously topped-up an existing grant from Swale Borough Council providing concrete beams for the new beam-and-block concrete platform which sits on top of cast concrete piers and also provided pre-cast concrete platform edging. All these concrete products were delivered free of charge by Seymour Transport Ltd.

The use of pre-cast concrete products was a key enabler for reconstruction of Sittingbourne Viaduct Platform, due to the lack of road access to the station site. By choosing beam-and-block construction it was possible for the materials to be delivered to the Railway’s Kemsley Down station, then taken to Sittingbourne Viaduct by train. From there it could be directly unloaded into position by the Railway’s hard-working volunteer workforce, which had already removed the old platform and installed foundations and cast concrete piers for the first section of new platform, generously funded by member donations.

The new platform will be higher and wider than the one it replaces, with the increased width and height intended to enable wheelchairs and pushchairs to be directly driven or pushed up a ramp into the awaiting train. The gap between the platform edge and the train is also being reduced to make boarding easier.

Please see the railway’s website (https://www.sklr.net/) for information on volunteering or donating. Following the Santa specials during December, the railway will re-open to the public at Easter 2024 for the summer season.