New platforms unveiled at London Bridge

The full extent of the open-heart surgery that is being carried out on London Bridge station, in preparation for the £6.5 billion Thameslink programme, was revealed for the first time on November 24.

With major service changes for Southern, Southeastern and Govia Thameslink Railway passengers due from December 20 (some short-term, others long-term), regular commuters are being warned about adjustments needed to their travel plans, and are being advised to make the most of alternative routes.

Thameslink Programme Director Simon Blanchflower said: “In the long run, our work here will improve the journeys of millions of passengers across the South, but we understand that until we’ve finished some people may have to change their journey to or from London.”

The changes to the timetables at London Bridge will allow more than 1,200 Network Rail engineers to work throughout the Christmas period to open two new platforms, as well as modernising track and signalling equipment that has been in use since the 1970s.

On December 17, finishing touches were being made to a pair of new platforms at the station.

• For more information, see RAIL 763, out now.