02.04.12
London Bridge station works approved
The proposals to overhaul London Bridge station as part of the Thameslink programme have won formal planning consent.
The second stage of the Thameslink programme will unlock capacity on the rail network in London and create better pedestrian connectivity, Network Rail said.
Its proposal for the station includes new street-level entrances onTooley StreetandSt Thomas Street, as well as a permanent pedestrian walkway throughStainer Street. The redevelopment is also aimed at bringing regeneration to Southwark.
The final station layout will have two platforms for Thameslink services.
Network Rail’s chief executive David Higgins said: “Our work will see the transformation of one ofLondon’s oldest and highly congested railway terminus. TheLondonBridgeproject is a critical part of the £6bn Thameslink Programme. It is only by remodelingLondonBridgestation that we can allow the new fleet of 12-car trains to operate at a metro-frequency on the Thameslink route. The project will also cover over 46 miles of new track laid in the 4.3 mile approach to the station.
“As well as bringing a better rail service to Southwark, we hope that the construction programme itself will help support the local community. How we build is as important as what we build and we are committed to a number of schemes such as local employment, supply chains and community engagement as well as setting up a workplace diversity and inclusion plan.”
Early work, including diverting utilities and other facilities, will be undertaken this year, ahead of major construction activity. The station will be built in approximately nine phases of work, beginning in summer 2013 and complete in 2018. The station will remain operational throughout.
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