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The first major phase of the redevelopment of London Bridge station will begin later this month when three platforms are taken out of use until spring 2014.

Network Rail today committed to continuing the biggest investment in infrastructure since the Victorian era, reducing costs and delivering more passengers on time than ever before – but also warned that tough decisions need to be made if the industry is to meet these competing challenges.

• Network Rail sets out biggest investment in infrastructure since the Victorian era
• £2.2bn investment in the east of England to maintain and renew railway to boost capacity and deliver a more reliable service for passengers

Network Rail today committed to continuing the biggest investment in infrastructure since the Victorian era, reducing costs and delivering more passengers on time than ever before – but also warned that tough choices need to be made if the industry is to meet these competing challenges.

Islington North MP Jeremy Corbyn (centre) opens one of the two platforms lengthened to accommodate the first 12-carriage trains at Finsbury Park flanked by (right) First Capital Connect managing director Neal Lawson and (left) Network Rail route director Phil Verster

Phase two of the government-funded Thameslink programme has been launched at London Bridge station, which will be completely rebuilt in what has been described as the most ambitious redevelopment of any London station in a generation.

Closer working with operators and suppliers brings rewards to Network Rail