For one day only Greenford Tube station will have the newest and oldest escalators on the London Underground network.
Today (March 11), passengers will be able to use the new escalator as well as the old wooden one which dates back to 1947.
London Underground is on schedule to make Greenford station step-free in 2015.
A new wider staircase will be constructed, laid with tactile paving for the visually impaired, and the old one will eventually be taken out and replaced by a new incline lift - the first of its kind- with CCTV installed inside.
The station remains open throughout works, with an ‘up’ escalator and staircase available at all times.
TfL has worked closely with Ealing Council in the development of the incline lift plans.
London Underground’s Director of Capital Programmes, David Waboso, said: “We will widen the centre staircase and finally remove the escalator on the right and install the new incline lift.
“The innovative glass incline lift will go up and down right by the newly widened staircase and the other new escalator, with users able to see out as well as being seen.
“The lift has a higher capacity because it has entry and exit doors at opposite sides of the lift cabin. This makes it easier for wheelchair users and passengers with buggies.”
Ealing’s cabinet member for transport and environment, Councillor Bassam Mahfouz, said: “It is fantastic that the first step towards making Greenford Station step-free is now complete, with the first new escalator at the station in more than 65 years open and ready for use.
“It will give people quicker and more reliable access to the platform ahead of a number of other station improvements that are to come.
“I’m proud that Ealing Council has championed accessible transport and worked with TfL to find a cost-effective way to build this lift. I’m really looking forward to seeing it all come together during the coming months.”
The currently closed men’s toilet on the platform will be replaced with a unisex accessible toilet, which will require the use of The Royal Association for Disability Rights (RADAR) key to enter.
In addition more lighting and more signage will be installed at the station.
The whole project will be completed in 2016.
Some night-time working will be required but TfL say any noise will be kept to the absolute minimum.
