Network Rail and its contractor VolkerFitzpatrick are set to begin works in January to deliver significant improvements to Ilford station in readiness for the Elizabeth line.

From early January 2020, the main station entrance on Cranbrook Road will close for most of 2020 so construction works can get underway.

Network Rail say the major upgrade to Ilford station will provide customers with a new station entrance, new ticket office and new lifts providing step-free access to the platforms.

A temporary entrance and ticket office will be provided, located close to the junction of Cranbrook Road and Ilford Hill, to enable the upgrade works to be delivered.

Passengers will need to use this temporary entrance to reach the platforms but will need to allow extra time for their journey. The entrance on York Mews will remain open throughout the works.

Colin Prime, Network Rail’s principal programme sponsor said: “We are currently preparing Ilford station for the main construction phase from January which will see the main entrance closed on Cranbrook Road until autumn 2020. The temporary entrance we are constructing will allow passengers to continue to use the station while we build this new entrance for the station and for the Ilford community.”

Howard Smith, TfL rail operations director, said: “This work at Ilford will provide customers with significant improvements in readiness for Elizabeth line services. With a bigger and brighter main entrance and new lifts, providing step-free access from street to platform for the first time, it will transform journeys for our customers at Ilford.”

The new entrance is expected to be ready for passengers to use in autumn 2020 with the main construction works continuing until the end of 2020.