RAIL bosses say work on a multi-million pound station upgrade will start this year.

Network Rail is set to double the size of the Gatwick Station concourse to allow more rail passengers to pass through to the airport.

The plans would see access to the station improve for the disabled and wheelchair users and those carrying luggage. Transport chiefs also hope to cut overcrowding on the platforms.

Overall, the £150 million scheme will mean the construction of a glass roof concourse and a new staff building to provide more space.

There will be new staircases, five new lift shafts and eight new escalators to improve access.

Platforms five and six will be widened, making it quicker for passengers to board and disembark trains to improve journey times.

Network Rail says work on phase one at platform seven will start in May.

Stage two will start in January next year with work at platform five and six.

The third stage will start at a similar time at platforms three and four, with the final stage construction of the glass concourse to start in June 2021.

Bosses estimate that the project will finish in May 2022.

Network Rail said it wants to deliver “a station that befits Gatwick’s status as a gateway to the country, with improved facilities providing passengers with smoother and more pleasant journeys.”

For more information visit networkrail.co.uk.