Rail user groups see progress at Blackfriars

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Representatives of Thameslink route rail passengers have seen at first hand the massive redevelopment taking place at London’s Blackfriars station that will lead to significant changes this December.

The group took a 90-minute tour to see how 1,700 engineers from Network Rail are transforming the site to create a new station with platforms spanning the River Thames.

Blackfriars station won’t be finished until spring 2012 but this December there are two major improvements:

  • A new station entrance will open for the first time ever on the south bank of the River Thames for National Rail passengers travelling with First Capital Connect and Southeastern
  • Blackfriars Tube station will reopen after a two-and-a-half-year closure with wider platforms and step-free connections from street level to the District and Circle lines.

They also heard how this December a new ticket hall will open at Farringdon station, two stops further north on the Thameslink line, and the first four 12-carriage trains will enter service morning and evening, creating almost 2,000 extra seats at the busiest times of the day between Bedford and Brighton.

Even though there won’t be lifts to all the platforms when it first opens, the new south bank entrance to Blackfriars will be a real benefit to anyone heading south of the river.

The return of the Tube is also likely to be warmly welcomed. Dates for both these events will be announced shortly.

Neal Lawson, Managing Director at First Capital Connect, said:

“Blackfriars is going to be a fantastic destination once the work is finished next spring but we’re delighted there will also be major improvements a little earlier.

“This December, we’ll have a new entrance on the south bank creating much easier access for anyone working south of the river or for customers thinking of visiting the Globe Theatre, Tate Modern or any of the many other cultural attractions nearby.

“And with the return of the Tube, Blackfriars will once again be properly plugged into the Underground network.”

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