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Wednesday 25 Feb 2009

BLACKFRIARS UNDERGROUND STATION CLOSES FOR THAMESLINK REDEVELOPMENT

Region & Route:

| Southern

London Underground (LU) and Network Rail today reminded customers that Blackfriars Underground station will close from Monday 2 March 2009 until late 2011, as Network Rail begin to build an entirely new station complex serving both London Underground and National Rail services.

Network Rail will redevelop the Blackfriars station complex as part of the Thameslink Programme with works which include lengthening the National Rail platforms to accommodate new and longer trains, a new entrance to the complex on the south bank of the river Thames and the redevelopment of the Tube station.

To accommodate these works Blackfriars Underground station will need to close until late 2011.

Once complete, the benefits will include:

• Step free access for both interchange and street level
• An enlarged Tube ticket hall
• Refurbished platforms
• Improved access to platforms

National Rail services will continue to serve Blackfriars station.

Andy Mitchell, Thameslink Programme Director at Network Rail, said: “Blackfriars will see a brand new station serving London Underground and National Rail that will be a vital part of the much needed Thameslink Programme.

“When complete passengers will benefit not only from better station access and facilities but also from more frequent National Rail services serving more destinations and, from 2012 onwards, with longer trains too.”

Howard Collins, London Underground's Chief Operating Officer, said: “The Tube station needs to close as much of the foundation work for the mainline station rebuilding work is at Underground station level. The works will also include the refurbishment of the Tube station.

“Customers will get a new upgraded station with step-free access, increased capacity and better interchange facilities between the Tube and National Rail services. During this time, District and Circle line services will not stop at the station and customers are advised to use nearby Temple and Mansion House stations.”

Elaine Holt, Managing Director of First Capital Connect which operates Blackfriars National Rail station and the Thameslink route trains that serve it, said: “Our customers will get a new station spanning the Thames that's capable of taking new 50 per cent longer 12-carriage trains.

“The new station is a vital part of the programme to reduce overcrowding on our Thameslink route. However, please remember that although the Tube station is closing, the National Rail station above stays open.”

Customers can use either Temple or Mansion House stations, which are within a 12-minute walk from Blackfriars and valid Underground tickets, will be accepted on local bus routes.

Customers can also use London River Services, piers are a short walk away from London Bridge, Tower Hill, Embankment, Westminster and Blackfriars stations.