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Friday 15 Jul 2011

THAMESLINK PEDESTRIAN IMPROVEMENTS COMPLETE AT WEST HAMPSTEAD

Region & Route:

| Southern

Works to upgrade Iverson Road and West End Lane for pedestrians and road users are now complete ahead of the opening of the new West Hampstead Thameslink station this December.

Network Rail and Camden Council are working together to improve the interchange between West Hampstead’s three train stations – London Overground, London Underground and Thameslink – which are used by more than 13m people each year.

As part of Camden Council’s wider street improvements, the footways on West End Lane and Iverson Road have both been widened to better accommodate the volume of pedestrians in the area. In addition, the West End Lane junction with Iverson Road has been upgraded, creating a more attractive and safer space for pedestrians. To create this space, Network Rail removed two commercial units.

To create a better interchange for the new Thameslink station, Network Rail widened the pavement on Iverson Road from 1.5m to 12m, building up the railway embankment and incorporating the existing trees into a new public space. Camden Council have complemented this work by providing a new raised crossing area making it easier and safer for pedestrians to cross the street.

Tim Galvani, Network Rail’s West Hampstead Project Manager said: “building this new station has given us the opportunity to work in partnership with Camden Council to create an easier and safer interchange for the travelling public.”

Andrew Sidgwick, West Hampstead station project manager for train operator First Capital Connect, said: “Work is progressing well at West Hampstead and we look forward to taking delivery of a new station with far greater facilities and step-free access for our customers.”

Councillor Sean Birch, Camden Council’s Cabinet Member for Sustainability and Transport, said: “This project is helping to deliver much needed improvements to West Hampstead to benefit residents and commuters alike. It will see the creation of a better station and surrounding area with better crossings that are both easier and safer to use.”