WORK is underway to refurbish a footbridge to provide a safer crossing at a railway station.

Network Rail is repairing the footbridge at Goring-by-Sea station, including the staircase coverings, treads and metalwork to maintain the structure.

Work is due to be completed in March next year.

Longer trains are now opening their doors at the station due to platform extensions, which have been built to support a new timetable during the construction of the £150 million upgrade of Gatwick Airport station.

Work on the platforms was completed earlier this year, allowing passengers to access the full length of the trains.

It means level crossings at Goring will be closed for much shorter times, cutting traffic congestion.

Angie Doll, managing director for Southern and Gatwick Express, said: “On behalf of our Goring-by-Sea customers we welcome Network Rail’s major investments to improve services and safety here.

“This work will be complemented by our own network-wide station improvement programme, making Goring-by-Sea better for passengers with new information screens, benches, a platform shelter and a ticket machine canopy.

“If you need to travel by train, rest assured we are working hard behind the scenes to keep trains and stations clean and safe.

“Wash your hands before and after each trip, wear a face covering and keep a safe distance.”