ipswich: The new �3.2million footbridge at Ipswich railway station has been swung into place.

The bridge span and steps were put in place during the closure of the station on Sunday – but will not be fully operational until spring next year.

The new bridge will be accessible by lifts covered by CCTV cameras on either side to give better access to the station for passengers with disabilities.

There will also be new stairs installed – but the existing footbridge will be left in place.

New lighting and CCTV systems will be installed and tactile paving laid on the platforms to make life easier for all passengers.

The new facilities at Ipswich station, which is the start or end for more than three million journeys a year, are expected to be completed by spring 2011.

Andrew Munden, Network Rail route director for Anglia, said: “Britain relies on rail so it’s vital that we provide facilities which make the railway easier to use, safer and more accessible for everyone.

“Whether you’re lugging heavy bags, have small children in tow or simply find the stairs a bit of a struggle, the improvements will make a real difference to passengers.”

Alan Boagey National Express East Anglia’s Ipswich station manager said: “I’m delighted that our team at Ipswich station working in partnership with Network Rail has been able to organise this work with minimal disruption to our customers.”

n Will the bridge make life easier for passengers? You can send an e-mail to eveningstarletters@eveningstar.co.uk