Blackfriars station – what we said about the closure

First Capital Connect has now reopened Blackfriars station after an eight-week closure at the end of 2010. This was the information we published to help passengers...

Network Rail has passed a significant point in the landmark redevelopment of Blackfriars station.

It's great news because it brings us closer to longer 12-carriage trains on the overcrowded Thameslink route and, at Blackfriars, far better connections with the Tube and a new entrance to the South Bank.

But it could affect your journey because the station is now closed until 16 January 2011 (inclusive), with trains running through to the normal timetable for all but six days at Christmas.

We recommend you use City Thameslink station – although Elephant & Castle may be better for those with destinations south of the river.

Please accept our apologies – we're doing the work as fast as we can.

Read our leaflet about the closure of Blackfriars station

Moving the station rebuild from east to west – a major project milestone

Network Rail has been making great progress strengthening the eastern side of Blackfriars rail bridge, preparing it for the new station structure above.

It has now reached the point when it can start work on the west side of the bridge, where trains previously ran.

That’s a major milestone but it means the rail tracks have to be moved from the west side of the bridge to the east and new platforms opened.

Network Rail did as much work as possible up front. However, there came a point when contractors could go any further without removing the platform footbridge and north end of platform 4 which are in the way.

This is why the station has had to close - there is simply no way for customers or staff to get on and off or even around the station in safety.

In detail – what’s going on during the closure?

It has always been known that Blackfriars station would need to close to passengers. The exact duration has been established through a number of intrusive surveys into the structural interdependencies of the rail bridge. These could only be carried out once Network Rail began work on the bridge.

There is a vast amount of work to be done. Station infrastructure has to be taken apart which removes the passenger entrance and exits. The second part of the proposed work programme involves integration with railway signalling systems.

This is what must be done within the closure - each is an individual workstream:

• Remove roof, coverings, platform 5 and roof structure
• Complete decking below the removed roof structure (creating cable route)
• Install cable ducts and platform dwarf wall to down line cess
• Pull and joint power cables
• Install signalling and telecoms trough
• Pull and joint signalling and telecoms cables
• Remove temporary bridge and walking route
• Slew track including drop-in section of deck
• Reinstall temporary footbridge and walking route
• Remove 409 truss (previously supporting platform 5)

The eight week closure is the most effective and efficient way of delivering this key work stream in the interest of passengers.

It has been approved by the City of London which recognises the importance of the Thameslink Programme in addressing overcrowding on train services. We have also consulted with Passenger Focus and London TravelWatch over the plans.

How does the closure affect me?

Services will run through

Train services will run through to the normal timetable (with the exception of the Christmas week – see below for details) and passengers will be advised to alight at City Thameslink instead; which is a short 3-4 minute walk north of Blackfriars' north station entrance. Tickets will be valid and it will cost no more to reach City Thameslink. Alternatively, Elephant & Castle may be closer for some whose destination is south of the river. Tickets from the north are issued to "London Thameslink", and this includes journeys to Elephant & Castle.

Using City Thameslink

ALL trains that First Capital Connect previously ran to Blackfriars station will stop at City Thameslink – even at the times when City Thameslink was previously closed. For example, the 05:04 to Brighton will call at City Thameslink at 05:01.

City Thameslink is just a 3-4 minute walk from the main entrance of Blackfriars.

Walking from City Thameslink

The Association of Public Transport Users represents the interests of First Capital Connect's Thameslink route passengers between Harlington and West Hampstead. It has recommended the following walking route to reach the Blackfriars area from City Thameslink:

To Blackfriars itself: Right out of Ludgate Circus entrance, first right into Pageantmaster Court, a left then immediate right into Blackfriars Lane and follow this down to Queen Victoria Street. Blackfriars Station is to the right, on the opposite side.

To Thames path east and Bankside: Right out of Ludgate Hill, walk up to St Paul's Cathedral, then walk past it (keep it on your left) and then turn right and walk towards Millennium Bridge. Depending on your destination, cross it or go down the steps to the left of it.

City Thameslink has been upgraded with longer platforms ready to take the future 12-carriage trains, an extra ticket gate at the Ludgate Hill end, more seating and new and improved safety and information systems. The lifts had already been refurbished improving reliability and more improvements have now been made to help those with disabilities.

Riverbank entrance will not reopen

Building work means the riverbank entrance and exit at Paul’s Walk will not reopen after the closure. From 17 January 2011 the only way in and out of the station will be via the main north entrance.

Christmas week closure

Trains run through Blackfriars station to the normal timetable during the closure with the exception of six days at Christmas (25-30 December).

First Capital Connect will not be running any trains on Christmas Day and Boxing Day, which is usual. However, in addition, we're having to close the route across central London, from London Bridge/Herne Hill to St Pancras International/Kentish Town, from Monday 27 December to Thursday 30 December inclusive.

This will allow Network Rail to switch the section of track from one side of Blackfriars railway bridge to the other.

Click here for alternative ways to cross London.