Work to remove conflicts and improve the infrastructure around London Bridge is nearly complete, writes PHILIP SHERRATT
Just one major commissioning now stands in the way of completion of the remodelling of the tracks around London Bridge. The 10-day blockade at Christmas will be the culmination of one of the biggest railway systems projects ever undertaken – remodelling the whole layout east and west of the station while ensuring this work ties in with the rebuilding of the station itself.
Prior to the works, Thameslink trains had to cross a series of flat junctions as they passed through London Bridge, creating several conflicts with other operators’ services. This meant there was no capacity at peak periods for Thameslink to serve London Bridge at all, never mind for the enhanced service the Thameslink Programme will bring.
The work undertaken over the past 4½ years will put this right. Arriving Thameslink trains from the Brighton main line will be segregated from Southeastern’s Charing Cross services by virtue of the grade-separated Bermondsey dive under, before using their own pair of tracks and platforms (Nos 4 and 5) through the station. West of London Bridge the formation has been widened from…
