Closure of the Bank branch of the Northern line on London’s Underground Network begins from this weekend, as Transport for London (TfL) carry out improvement works to the station.
For 17 weeks, from January 15, 2022 until mid-May 2022, the closure will be in place as upgrades are made to increase the station’s capacity, provide step-free access to the Northern line, and make journeys quicker and easier.
The Bank branch of the Northern line will be closed between Kennington and Moorgate, with TfL urging customers to check travel arrangements before departure.
During the closure, engineers will be able to complete vital work on the brand-new Northern line tunnel and passenger concourse at Bank Tube station, as part of the Bank Station Capacity Upgrade.
This vital upgrade to Bank station will see its capacity increase by 40% when finished, with improvements including a new railway tunnel and platform for the Northern line, step-free access to the Northern line and improved access to the DLR platforms.
There will also be more direct routes within the station and a new station entrance on Cannon Street.
To help mitigate disruption during the 17-week closure, which will also cause a reduced service between Camden Town and Moorgate, TfL will be operating an enhanced service with a train at least every two minutes running on the Charing Cross branch of the Northern line during peak periods.
A new, additional bus route – the 733 service – will also be introduced on weekdays to run from Oval into the City (Moorgate, Finsbury Square).
TfL has also stated it will monitor and review whether the peak-only service operation of the Waterloo & City line.
Deputy Mayor for Transport, Seb Dance, said: ”The renovation and upgrade at Bank station is essential to increase the capacity of this central London hub and help improve passengers' journeys. In addition to a new entrance, passengers will also benefit from step-free access to the Northern line and quicker, easier journeys once the work is complete.
“As with any major improvement project, there is likely to be some disruption, however TfL are doing all they can to minimise this. There will be alternative routes to help passengers complete their journeys, including a new bus route and extra capacity on the Charing Cross branch of the Northern line.
“I encourage customers to check before they travel and leave more time to complete their journey while the upgrade work is taking place.”
Andy Lord, Managing Director of London Underground, added: “The 17-week closure of the Bank branch of the Northern line is now two days away, and we're urging customers to check their journeys before they travel by using Journey Planner or the TfL Go app.
“We're asking customers to consider taking journeys at a different time or via a different route, using alternate Tube lines or rail, bus, walking or cycling options. We're introducing an increased service on the Charing Cross branch and a new bus route into the City, which will help people to get around during the closure.
“The Bank Station Capacity Upgrade will be an important boost for the City of London and the capital in general, after a difficult period. We understand the changes may be frustrating for customers, but would like to reassure them that this work is important and will bring many benefits.
“In addition, we will use this closure as an opportunity to improve other stations as well as carry out maintenance to minimise future disruption.”
