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Tuesday 14 Dec 2010

DESIGNERS ON BOARD LONDON BRIDGE TRANSFORMATION

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National

Network Rail today announced the successful bidders for two major design contracts for the redevelopment of London Bridge station and the remodelling and resignalling of the railway infrastructure in the London Bridge area.

The work at London Bridge is one of Britain's largest and complex railway projects. The station will be completely rebuilt to create more space for passengers with additional concourse space below the platforms at street level. The track layout will also be radically changed and the signalling renewed to accommodate metro frequency services on the Thameslink routes through the station.

This major upgrade will enable the route to combat congestion at the station, and provide greater journey opportunities for passengers on Thameslink services.

The 16 month contract will see WSP take the current scheme for the station building through outline design to the build phase due to begin late in 2012.

The plans for the station include an entirely new station concourse, more space for passengers, better interchange between trains, buses and other modes of transport, and more capacity for longer more frequent trains to use the station.

Martin Jurkowski, project director for the second phase of Thameslink works said: “We’re confident that the design we are taking forward is the best possible solution in terms of operational capacity and affordability. The next challenge is to take this design through the planning process, and to deliver a station that meets the needs not just of London’s transport network, but of the surrounding area.”

WSP UK rail sector director, Dave Darnell, said: “We are delighted to be appointed as lead designer for London Bridge station and look forward to working with Network Rail to transform the station into a flagship transport interchange. This project has particular significance for WSP in adding a further dimension to our involvement in the revitalisation of the area around London Bridge, which includes the Shard, London Bridge Place and the bus station projects.”

Jacobs Engineering will complete the outline design of the railway systems elements including track, signalling, telecoms and associated power supplies. This will see extensive improvements and modernisation to the railway at and around the station, and elsewhere on the route to accommodate the longer, more frequent Thameslink trains.

“Both teams presented strong bids, and showed a real understanding of the unique challenges and opportunities presented by the project,” Network Rail’s Jim Crawford, major programme director for the Thameslink programme, said. “Engaging with the right suppliers, and giving them the opportunity to develop an effective design that will help facilitate the safe and cost efficient delivery of this challenging project is critical to the success of the Thameslink programme.”