27.07.16
New London Bridge concourse to open next month
Parts of London Bridge’s new concourse will be accessible for passengers from 29 August following extensive upgrades.
The new and larger concourse is designed to offer passengers more space, easier connections between services and more shops and facilities.
Trains to and from Charing Cross will begin calling again at the station, for the first time since January 2015.
However, services to Cannon Street will be cancelled between 27 August and 1 September, and will face ongoing disruptions until works are complete in 2018, as construction moves to the north of the station.
Simon Blanchflower, Thameslink programme director, said: “It’s a major milestone for the programme when we open the concourse this August bank holiday, as it also means that passengers will finally get to see the outcome of all the work we have been doing for the past few years.
“There will also be changes to some train services from that week as we start the massive logistical task of moving construction work from the south to the north side of the station, so I would also encourage passengers to check before they travel.”
The ongoing works at London Bridge have caused significant delays, contributing to catastrophic disruptions across the Southern network.
The delays were made even worse when services were temporarily cancelled on 18 July because of a hole under tracks caused by a collapsed sewer.
Dyan Crowther, chief operating officer of Govia Thameslink Railway, said: “We’re thrilled that this major phase of the station is nearing completion. The new lower concourse with a permanent ticket office and escalators to our Southern platforms above will be welcomed by passengers.
“We look forward to the end of the project, in 2018, when our Thameslink services can return to London Bridge, increasing frequency and capacity on the route.”
(Image c. Network Rail)
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