Latest phase of London Bridge Thameslink Programme successfully delivered

Network Rail reveals the latest phase of Thameslink Programme rebuilding work at London Bridge was successfully delivered during the bank holiday period.

The work carried out as part of the Government-sponsored Thameslink Programme saw the installation of  more than 1km of new track, a massive new signal gantry near Waterloo East, several new sets of points fitted and more than 6km of power cables laid. Work for the Thameslink Programme in and around London Bridge is currently being carried out in stages until 2018.

As a result of the work, there were no trains to or from Charing Cross, Waterloo East, Cannon Street and parts of London Bridge over all three days of the holiday.

Thameslink Programme rail systems director Mark Somers said:  “I’d like to thank passengers and our neighbours for their patience this Bank Holiday as we have completed more work around London Bridge.

“Every weekend where we can do work on this scale is absolutely massive for us. Every single piece of track and every piece of equipment we put in position this weekend is crucial for Christmas, which will be the vital next stage for the project.”

Additional work included the installation of two new sets of crossovers at Ewer Street, near Waterloo East, in preparation for when Charing Cross trains start using the new Borough Market Viaduct. A redundant signal gantry was removed from the eastern approaches to London Bridge and two tracks used by Charing Cross trains immediately outside London Bridge station were ‘slewed’ or cut and moved to the north. This will allow for the old track and right-of-way to be dug up and rebuilt in time for Christmas and the next major stage of rebuilding.