Rail Minister Claire Perry has welcomed the successful completion of platform works at London Bridge station, describing it as a “major milestone” in the Government’s £6.5bn Thameslink Programme, which is set to transform rail travel for passengers across London.

Two new platforms were opened at London Bridge following a nine day part-closure of the station. More than 1,200 engineers worked around the clock to complete the platforms, lay new track and install a state-of-the-art signalling system, while train operators supported the works by running amended timetables and alternative services. The Rail Minister visited the station to see how work was progressing.

When complete in 2018, the Thameslink Programme will give passengers more choice and convenience when travelling through London and the south east. New, spacious trains will run every two to three minutes through central London during the peak, while new track and signalling improvements will provide more reliable journeys. Connections to more destinations, including Cambridge and Peterborough, will also be improved, and there will be a direct interchange with Crossrail at Farringdon.

Ms Perry said:
“As part of our long-term economic plan, we are currently undertaking the biggest programme of rail modernisation since Victorian times, with more than £38bn being invested in the network over the next five years. The Thameslink Programme is a key part of that.

“Last week I visited London Bridge and saw for myself how hard everyone in the Thameslink family has worked to reach this major milestone. Once all the work is finished, Thameslink will transform travel across London and the south east for hundreds of thousands of passengers who travel into the capital every day.”