Contents. page. Sketch plans of current station and options. MARLIN plan showing boundaries Additional project information.

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2 Contents page 1. Project objective Option selection process (GRIP Stage 3) Station information Existing passenger access routes Descriptions of options for the obstacle-free route Option evaluation Capital cost estimates (2010 / 11 prices) Option selection Constructability statement Consultation...15 Appendix A Appendix B Appendix C Appendix D Appendix E Sketch plans of current station and options Photographs of station MARLIN plan showing boundaries Additional project information Viability survey Issue Record Issue Date Comments 1 July 2010 issued for Stakeholder agreement. Page 2 of 38

3 1. Project objective The purpose of the project proposal recommended in this report is to introduce within the Network Rail controlled infrastructure an unobstructed accessible route from at least one station entrance and all drop-off points associated with that entrance, to each platform and between platforms served by passenger trains. The Department for Transport (DfT) definition of an accessible route is one that; can be negotiated by the user of a manually self-propelled wheelchair; ideally, does not exceed 400m, from station entrance (or drop off point if further) to the appropriate point of entry/exit of stationed trains; satisfies all applicable requirements of DfT Accessible Train and Station Design for Disabled People: A Code of Practice (July 2008) except where prior dispensations have been agreed. The specific infrastructure required to achieve this should be determined during outline design, GRIP Stage 4. In addition to meeting the specific objective of providing an accessible route, there are three discretionary elements of project scope that must be considered on a station by station basis. These are the provision of; platform edge tactile paving obstacle-free access to (but not into) station operator facilities obstacle-free access to (but not into) station retail facilities 2. Option selection process (GRIP Stage 3) IDENTIFY OPTIONS EVALUATE OPTIONS PRODUCE REPORT SIGN-OFF REPORT (a) Hold introductory Local Project Group (LPG) meeting at the station. (d) Hold workshop with stakeholders to appraise options. (e) Produce Option Selection Report (OSR). (f) OSR signed off by; Project Sponsor, (b) Complete accessibility audit. Designated Engineer, Programme Sponsor, (c) Identify options with stakeholders. Customer - Department for Transport / Transport Scotland. Page 3 of 38

4 3. Station information Station information Full station name Postal address London Road Hemel Hempstead Hertfordshire HP3 9QD Station Facilities Owner (SFO) London Midland Other TOCs: Southern Station Manager details - Station s operations Period during which the station is manned Mon Fri 05:25 20:20, Sat 06:30 20:20, Sun 08:15 13:00 Gated or open: Gated Earliest and latest train departures Earliest 04:02 Latest 00:38 How are trains dispatched? No full time platform staff Description of railway Electrification 3 rd Rail No OLE Yes Layout and inter-relationship of platforms. Four platforms. General relationship of platforms to topography. Platforms are at high level to the station buildings. How are platforms constructed? Brick built riser walls and appear to be solid Are there tactile surfaces on all platform edges? Yes. Is there an obstacle free route to all TOC facilities? No. The entrances to the station and to the ticket issuing windows are step free. The waiting room on Platform 1 is step free but can only be reached via the non compliant stairs from the subway. The waiting room on the island platform 2&3 has a 120mm step and can only be reached via the non compliant stairs from the subway. The waiting shelter on Platform 3 is step free, it can only be reached via the non compliant stairs from the subway. The waiting shelter on Platform 4 is step free, it can only be reached via the non compliant stairs from the subway. Both the Ladies and Gentlemen s toilets are step free. Page 4 of 38

5 Is there an obstacle free route to all station retail facilities? The retail outlet in the ticket hall is step free. The retail outlet on Platform 4 has a stepped entrance (80mm) and can only be reached via the non compliant stairs up from the subway. Name of Local Authority: Planning Constraints Listed structures Local planning authority listing Tree Preservation Orders Conservation Areas Public Rights of Way SSSIs Where is the principal drop-off point? Where is the secondary drop-off point (if applicable)? Are there any regular events (e.g. sports, markets) held in the locality that affect traffic at the station? Dacorum No No No No No No Station forecourt. N/A. None known. Page 5 of 38

6 4. Existing passenger access routes Route A Drop off point on forecourt to all Platforms Description of route 1. Proceed across the forecourt from the disabled parking bays to the station entrance. 2. Proceed through the station entrance, across the ticket hall and through the ticket gate line. 3. Proceed along the subway and use one of the sets of stairs to gain access to your platform of choice. 4. Alternative access to Platforms 4, 3 & 2 is available via stair lifts. 5. The night gate at Hemel Hempstead provides access to the subway from the rear of the ticket hall. Access constraints A drop kerb is provided but you have to cross the taxi rank. The entrance is step free and 1800mm wide. The more obvious approach includes two steps. The ticket hall is step free. The gate line has a MIU gate. Platform 4 can be accessed via a single flight of 29 steps. Platforms 2&3 can be accessed via a single flight of 28 steps. Platform 1 can be accessed via single flight of 28 steps followed by a single step through a gate onto the platform. Currently out of service. Staff assistance required. Limits the width of the stairs during use. The night gate is 1750mm wide, there is a pinch point when moving from the rear of the building to the front of 940mm. Page 6 of 38

7 5. Descriptions of options for the obstacle-free route 5.1 Options rejected prior to workshop One-line description Install a stair lift serving platform 1 and replace the existing stair lifts with new equipment. Reason for exclusion from scoring workshop Stair lifts are not a preferred solution as staff assistance is required and they limit the usable stairway width. The group felt that stair lifts do not provide independent access. 5.2 Options considered by workshop Option 1 Install lifts into the existing subway Description of scope Construct three new lift shafts with lifts to provide access to the three platform groups. Relocate staff facilities and equipment on platform 4 to another part of the station as the lift will impact on the current arrangements. Improve signage and way finding along the access route. Improve lighting and CCTV along the access route within the station boundary. Improve the stepped access route. Option 2 Construct a new footbridge with lifts and install a fourth lift to provide access to the street Description of scope Construct a new two span footbridge with three lifts to the west of the station buildings. Provide access from Platform 4 to street level, most likely with a fourth lift. Improve signage and way finding along the access route. Improve lighting and CCTV along the access route within the station boundary. Improve the stepped access route. Page 7 of 38

8 6. Option evaluation 6.1 Comparison of options Option 1 Install lifts into the existing subway Ease of station management (during & after construction) (-) Loss of some car parking during construction. (-) Disruption to the subway during construction. (+) Step free access route part of the existing access route and within station boundaries. Technical compliance (+) Provides a technically compliant accessible route. Minimal environment disruption / low neighbourhood impact (+) No disruption. Ease of use (accessible route for everyone) (+) Access can be used at all times. Ability / 'straightforward-ness' of construction / timescales (+) Straight forward solution. (-) Proximity of OLE foundations during design and construct. (-) Relocation of existing CCTV facilities. Option 2 Construct a new footbridge with lifts and install a fourth lift to provide access to the street Ease of station management (during & after construction) (-) Loss of some car parking during construction. (-) Creates an accessible route that is remote from the existing stepped access. (-) Creates an additional, un-gated, station entrance. (+) Minimal impact to station during construction. Technical compliance (+) Provides a technically compliant accessible route. Minimal environment disruption / low neighbourhood impact (-) Minimal impact on local residents, bridge will be higher than the station and surrounding area. Ease of use (accessible route for everyone) (+) Creates an accessible route that utilises the existing station infrastructure. Ability / 'straightforward-ness' of construction / timescales (+) Straight forward solution. Page 8 of 38

9 Factors common to all options Lighting levels CCTV coverage Power supply upgrade may be required 7. Capital cost estimates (2010 / 11 prices) 7.1 Obstacle-free route The project manager s baseline cost estimate for the options evaluated in the workshop are given below. The procurement route assumed for this project is design and construct. Option 1 Option Discretionary scope Install lifts into the existing subway Construct a new footbridge with lifts and install a fourth lift to provide access to the street 2,042,000 3,885,000 Platform edge tactile paving Already installed. - Access to SFO facilities Ticket hall No scope proposed, step free. - Platform 1 waiting room No scope proposed, step free. - Platform 2&3 waiting room - Short entrance ramp. 1,000 Platform 3 waiting shelter - No scope proposed, step free. - Platform 4 waiting shelter - No scope proposed, step free. - Toilets - No scope proposed, step free. - Access to station retail facilities Retail in ticket hall - No scope proposed, step free. - Retail on Platform 4 - No scope proposed, lack of space. - Removal of Redundant Assets Removal of redundant stair lifts. 5,000 Page 9 of 38

10 8. Option selection Op Option selected for obstacle-free route Option 1 Summary explanation for choice The group felt that installing lifts into the subway made the best use of the existing infrastructure and provided an inclusive accessible route through the station that was logical and straight forward. Platform edge tactile paving Include in project? Network Rail Client initials N/A Access to SFO facilities Include in project? Network Rail Client initials Access to station retail facilities Include in project? Network Rail Client initials Removal of redundant assets Include in project? Network Rail Client initials Page 10 of 38

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12 9. Constructability statement. The selected option, which mainly comprises construction of three lifts adjacent to existing subway, is the most cost effective and convenient option. As shown on attached sketch. The location of the lifts, as indicated in the attached sketch, is indicative. In GRIP 4, intrusive site survey and structural assessment to subway structure to be conducted to verify / validate this option. The lift will provide AfA from subway level to each platform. Each of the three lifts to be inset into the subway a min 1.5m, opposite the existing stairs to create a lobby area. Lift car of 16 person capacity can be installed in each of lift shafts. Platform 2 is 2 steps higher than platform 3; there is a fence and steps at the middle of island platform 2 / 3. Therefore the lift landing (lobby) should be set level to platform 2, handrail to be installed facing platform 3 and transition area to ramp down to platform 3 to be provided. On platform 1 the top of the stairs requires an infill to remove the odd, single, step onto platform 1. There is a car park at the front of the station, but the access from car park to station building is via two steps. The car park includes taxi rank adjacent to the station building and couple of disabled parking bays opposite to taxi rank. The scheme proposes a ramp to be provided at the west end of the car park, see attached sketch. The night gate is very wide but the approach (access) from the car park / pavement to the gate has a pinch point, of circa 700mm, between corner of male toilet and retaining wall. In GRIP 4, intrusive survey and risk assessment to be conducted to widen this pinch point to 1.8m, the minimum passageway as per DfT requirement. The proposed route from station building (ticket hall) to the proposed locations of lifts is level. The existing stepped access route will be reviewed and upgraded as appropriate for handrails, nosings, treads, lighting and CCTV. The existing subway structurally sound but may require refurbishment works to upgrade its lighting, flooring, CCTV coverage to DfT requirements. The existing redundant stairs lifts will be removed as part of the scheme. The width of the existing subway is not wide enough to segregate area to install hoarding to construct the lift shaft from subway level, therefore the construction of lift shafts and lift lobbies may be constructed as follow, but GRIP 4 consultant will provide details to support the construction of their design; Excavate from platform level to 3m below subway level to accommodate lift pit and lift Page 12 of 38

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15 10. Consultation The following representatives have been consulted during the option selection process: Organisation Title Name Attended workshop London Midland Susan Fisher Yes London Midland Michelle Chambers Yes London Midland Mick Smith Yes CENTRO David Ride Yes CENTRO Adrian Shortland Yes Network Rail Operational Property Graham Jones Yes Portfolio Surveyor Network Rail Building Surveyor Adam Checkley Via Correspondence Network Rail Deveine Foster-Edwards Yes Commercial Scheme Sponsor Network Rail SPM (AfA) Jason Barker Yes Page 15 of 38

16 Appendix A Sketch plans of current station & options Page 16 of 38

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19 Appendix B Station Photographs 1 Hemel Hempstead station facade 4 Bus stop 2 Taxi Rank 5 Temporary stairs to Plt4 by station 3 Disabled Parking 6 Station path viewed from the west Page 19 of 38

20 7 Station retail in ticket hall 10 Ladies 8 Ticket Hall 11 Gentlemens 9 Gate line 12 Subway Page 20 of 38

21 13 Arch in subway opposite Plt4 stairs 16 Top of Platform 4 stairs 14 Stair lift serving Platform 4 17 Platform 4 looking west 15 Stairs to Platform 4 18 Platform 4 looking east Page 21 of 38

22 19 Entrance to Platform 4 Retail 22 Platform 4 Macemain 20 Staff offices on Platform 4 23 Platform 2&3 stairs with stair lift 21 Platform 4 waiting shelter 24 Top of Platform 2&3 stairs Page 22 of 38

23 25 Plt 2&3 Waiting Room 28 Platform 2 looking west 26 Plt 2&3 Waiting Room entrance 29 Platform 2&3 covered seating area 27 Platform 2 looking east 30 Plt 2&3 covered seating area clearances Page 23 of 38

24 31 Plt 2&3 wall to rear of covered seating 34 Subway looking towards Plt 4 32 Plt 2&3 looking west 35 Subway floor 33 Plt 3 Macemain 36 Switch Panel in subway Page 24 of 38

25 37 Wiring in subway 40 Plt 1 gate and step at top of stairs 38 Platform 1 stairs 41 Platform 1 covered area 39 Plt 1 waiting room and top of stairs 42 Plt 1 and OLE by shelter wall Page 25 of 38

26 43 Plt 1 west end of waiting room 46 Relay room signage 44 Plt 1 step and inspection chambers 47 Relay room approach 45 Cycle storage 48 Night Gate approach Page 26 of 38

27 49 Night gate external 52 CCTV Equipment 2of3 50 Night gate internal 53 CCTV Equipment 3of3 51 CCTV Equipment 1of3 54 LV Switch Panel in subway 1of6 Page 27 of 38

28 55 LV Switch Panel in subway 2of6 58 LV Switch Panel in subway 5of6 56 LV Switch Panel in subway 3of6 59 LV Switch Panel in subway 6of6 57 LV Switch Panel in subway 4of6 60 LV on Plt 4 1of9 Page 28 of 38

29 61 LV on Plt 4 2of9 64 LV on Plt 4 5of9 62 LV on Plt 4 3of9 65 LV on Plt 4 6of9 63 LV on Plt 4 4of9 66 LV on Plt 4 7of9 Page 29 of 38

30 67 LV on Plt 4 8of9 70 Land to side of temporary stairs 68 LV on Plt 4 9of9 69 Cable troughing to rear of Platform 4 Page 30 of 38

31 Appendix C MARLIN plan showing boundaries Page 31 of 38

32 Appendix D Additional project information Factors that should be considered as part of GRIP Stage 4 The existence of the following station features may influence construction methodology. Multi-modal interchange outside of the station Taxi rank outside of the station Special events (e.g. sports, markets) held in the vicinity of the station Retail units (TOC or Spacia) Posters and billboards Cycle storage facilities Car park Stand-alone passenger waiting shelters Operational staff accommodation High probability that the project scope will need to include discretionary enabling works Yes No Unknown No No No Yes No Yes An application for Listed Building Consent. No An application to divert or close a public right of way. No A detailed assessment to determine the extent that signal sighting is affected by the project. Yes A detailed assessment of the power supply load currently available and required by the project. Yes A detailed investigation to identify the purpose and ownership of station cabling. Yes A detailed investigation to identify the availability of CCTV transmission facilities. Yes A detailed investigation to identify the source of water ingress. No A detailed investigation to identify the presence of asbestos. Yes High probability that the project will affect permanently the following infrastructure on or about the station. Driver Only Operation [DOO] systems (CCTV cameras, cabling, mirrors) Customer Information Systems [CIS] Cableways / troughing / conduit runs (beneath the platform) Cableways / troughing / conduit runs (fastened to existing structures) Electrical switchboards or switch cupboards Railway signalling equipment Any line-side cabling Overhead Line Equipment (OLE) Safety / boundary fencing Car park spaces High probability that following infrastructure will need to be temporarily modified, moved or protected during the construction phase. Driver Only Operation [DOO] systems (CCTV cameras, cabling, mirrors) Customer Information Systems [CIS] Cableways / troughing / conduit runs (beneath the platform) Cableways / troughing / conduit runs (fastened to existing structures) Electrical switchboards or switch cupboards Railway signalling equipment Any line-side cabling Overhead Line Equipment (OLE) Safety / boundary fencing Car park spaces No No Yes Yes Yes No No No Yes No No No Yes Yes Yes Yes Yes Yes Yes Yes Page 32 of 38

33 Appendix E Viability survey STATION VIABILITY CHECK Station: Address: London Road, Hemel Hempstead, Hertfordshire, HP3 9QD TOC London Midland Station Type and general description: Reviewed by; Jason Barker Date of Review; is a busy station providing access to Milton Keynes, Northampton, Rugby and Bedford to the north or Watford Junction, North East London and London Euston to the south. The ticket office is a brick, single story structure. There are four passenger platforms. All platforms have brick built block riser walls and appear to be of solid construction. The ticket office is open part time; Mon Fri , Sat and Sun There are three self service ticket machines. SVC Ref. Issue Notes Comments and Observations Photograph 1.1 Is the Station convenient to; A public highway? Public transport? Car parking? Which is the disabled visitors most appropriate way to commute to the Station The station is located off a busy main road. There are bus stops on the main road. There is a Taxi rank. There is a station car park available, including 5 disabled bays. 2, 3, Is the approach route free from kerbs? Is the entrance easy to find and clearly distinguishable from the façade? Are any of the entrances or openings wide enough? Are there clear openings for wheel chair users? Is there a kerb free route for wheel chair bound visitors or consider creating drop kerbs 1000mm for new doors, minimum of 775mm for existing doors. Newly fitted doors should be mm wide There is a kerb free route to the station entrance. 45, 1, 5 The entrance to the ticket hall is easy to find. 1, 2, 6 There is one entrance into the ticket hall. The entrance is 1800mm wide, with a double, aluminium, automatic doors. The night gate leads into the subway. The night gate is 1750mm wide and is left open after hours. The passageway from the night gate to the station forecourt has a pinch point of 940mm. 1 48, 49, 50 Page 33 of 38

34 1.5 Is there a level threshold to any of these entrances? If unavoidable, a temporary ramp may be necessary The entrance to the ticket hall has a level threshold. 1 1, 9, Describe existing Route to Platforms: From front door from Booking Area Steps up or down Ramps up or down Enter the ticket hall from the street via the 1800mm wide doors. Proceed across the ticket hall and through the ticket gate line to access the subway. The subway provides stepped access to all platforms. 14, 15, 16 23, 24 34, 38, 40 There are stairs serving all platforms form the subway. 1.7 Is there a ramp or stairs at every change level? Is this practical. Can an alternative wheelchair route be planned? Can a temporary access ramp be made available? Platform 4 can be access by a single flight of stairs, 1700mm wide between handrail or 1970mm wall to wall. There are 29 steps, no landings, and each step is 300mm x 135mm. Platforms 2&3 can be access by a single flight of stairs, 1700mm wide between handrail or 1970mm wall to wall. There are 28 steps, no landings, and each step is 300mm x 135mm. 14, 15, 16 23, 24 Platform 1 can be access by a single flight of stairs, 1957mm wide between handrail or 2100mm wall to wall. There are 28 steps, no landings, and each step is 300mm x 135mm. 34, 38, Is the ramp wide enough and suitably graded? Ramp width: 1.5m Minimum There are no ramps at. - On the stairs serving platform 1 there is a handrail on each side, these are set at 1000mm high. 38, 39, 1.9 Are there suitable hand rails on both sides of the steps or ramps? Hand rails to be 900mm to 1000mm high. On the stairs serving the island platform 2&3 there is only one handrail, it is 880mm high. The other wall is taken up by the running supports for the stair lift. 23, 24, On the stairs serving platform 4 there is only one handrail, it is 880mm high. The other wall is taken up by the running supports for the stair lift. 14, 15, 16 Page 34 of 38

35 1.10 Consider tripping hazards. Are there planters/bins and other low level objects in the vicinity of stair cases There appear to be no tripping hazards. Though the use of the stair lifts would restrict the stair and subway widths. 12, 14, Is the lighting adequate? I visited during daylight hours. The lighting appears adequate Is there an existing footbridge? Describe structure type, is there sufficient space adjacent to fit lifts without affecting other structures There is no footbridge at Is there a subway route towards Platforms? Describe structure type, is there sufficient space adjacent to fit lifts without affecting other structures There is a subway at. The subway is 2300mm wide, 2200mm high to the lights or 2500mm high to the ceiling. The subway appears to be brick built with a rendered finish. The construction style allows for the stair openings to be non supporting. 12, 13, 34, 35, 36, 37 There appears to be evidence of existing voids which could have been previous lift shafts Will engineering be required to provide a step free route to the platform? Yes, see 1.18 below. - Page 35 of 38

36 The ticket hall is step free (see 1.2 and 1.4 above). There are two ticket issuing windows. There are ticket machines available in the ticket hall and on the station. 1, 8, 9 The waiting room on platform 1 is step free. The entrance is 840mm wide with a wooden door. There is additional seating available beneath the canopy. 39, 41, 43 The waiting room on the island platform 2&3 has a 120mm step. The entrance is 840mm wide with a wooden door. There is additional seating available beneath the canopy. 25, 26, Are facilities step free? Ticket Sales Waiting rooms Lavatories Station Trading There is a waiting shelter on Platform 3. There are two entrances into the waiting shelter, they are both step free and the entrances are each 1500mm wide. There is no heating or lighting within the waiting shelter, only perch style seating. There is a waiting shelter on Platform 4. There are two entrances into the waiting shelter, they are both step free and the entrances are each 1500mm wide. There is no heating or lighting within the waiting shelter, only perch style seating. There is additional seating available beneath the canopy , 21 There are both Ladies and Gentlemans toilets at this station. Both are situated beyond the ticket gate line in the ticket hall. The toilets are step free. 10, 11 The retail outlet in the ticket hall is step free. 7 The retail outlet on platform 4 has a stepped (80mm) entrance that is 840mm wide with a wooden door fitted with an autocloser Are the platforms fitted with tactile paviors and markings? There are platform edge tactile paviors. There is a painted warning line. 17, 27, 30, General Observations? OLE/ third rail Fast line speed More than one TOC Nearest DDA compliant station There is OLE. It is a high speed line. There are additional Train Operating Companies, Southern. The next nearest DDA compliant stations according to the National Rail map for people with reduced Mobility September 2006 are Milton Keynes Central to the north, or Watford Junction to the south. 17, 18, 31, 32, 33 Page 36 of 38

37 1.18 Having reviewed the station, what is the recommendation for a step free solution? Lifts through subway Lifts from footbridge New footbridge and lifts Use of ramps as alternative to steps Initial thoughts would be to; - add lifts to the existing subway or - build a footbridge to the west of the station with an additional lift to gain access to street level.. Further feasibility work should be carried out with all stakeholders. - Page 37 of 38

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