Transport for London (TfL) has announced that the station is moving to the next stage of its step-free access programme – one of 17 stations to do so.
This means that studies will now be carried out to check if the scheme is feasible at Hornchurch, with assessments starting later this year.
Havering Council will be working “closely” with TfL to identify third-party funding opportunities and to ensure the project is delivered “as soon as possible”, leader of the council Cllr Ray Morgon said.
He said: “We know how important accessible transport is for our residents—especially those with mobility needs, parents with pushchairs, and older people.
Cllr Morgon added that he hoped the news would provide “at least some consolation” for residents facing “significant disruption” as a result of the Gallows Corner works.
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In April, TfL confirmed a longlist of 30 Underground stations to be considered for step-free access, before work was carried out to select 17 for the shortlist.
Other east London stations moving forward with the scheme include Dagenham East, Becontree and Plaistow.
Alex Williams, TfL’s chief customer and strategy officer, said: “Making more Tube stations step-free is a major part of our work to make the transport network more accessible.
“We are already progressing work to make 10 more Tube stations step-free and are conducting feasibility studies into introducing step-free access at eight more stations across the capital.
“We have now confirmed that 17 additional Tube stations will also be assessed, starting later this year.”
Seb Dance, deputy London mayor for transport, added: “It’s great to see that these 17 stations will proceed to feasibility studies as part of the next stage of TfL’s step-free access programme.
“This work is essential to delivering the mayor’s ambitious target of making 50 per cent of the network step-free by 2030.”