For the next two weekends, there will be no train service through central London on the Thameslink line between St Pancras and Finsbury Park and Blackfriars and London Bridge, as Network Rail works to upgrade the signalling system.
Signals works: there will be no Thameslink trains operating through central London for the next two weekends
The works are part of what Network Rail calls “major measures” to improve reliability on one of the busiest parts of the rail network used by Thameslink. Network Rail engineers are installing a back-up train detection system between London Blackfriars and Farringdon to prevent delays.
Network Rail is also replacing the 20MW electrical substation between City Thameslink and Blackfriars station. “This is the largest on the 750V third-rail network and is placed under heavy load with the volume of trains passing through,” according to Network Rail.
“The Thameslink ‘core’ route between London St Pancras International and Blackfriars is one of the most intensively used sections of railway in the UK, with up to 44 trains per hour on a two-track system connecting services from Kent, Sussex and the East Midlands through the heart of London.
“With frequent trains and no diversionary routes available, even small faults can quickly cause disruption across the network, as far afield as Brighton and Cambridge or Horsham and Peterborough.”
The weekend track closures will allow engineers the time they need to complete the upgrades safely. The closures between St Pancras and Finsbury Park and Blackfriars and London Bridge stations will take place on June 13-14 and June 20-21. “Paper rail tickets will be accepted at no extra cost on London Underground and London bus services to travel across central London,” Network Rail says.
“The heart of Thameslink, in central London, is one of the most critical sections of railway in the country, where even small issues can quickly have a big impact on thousands of passengers,” said Louise Greaves, Network Rail’s infrastructure director.
“By installing a dual detection system, upgrading the power supply and looking at the fitment of train cameras, we’re making a targeted investment in reliability and resilience. Two detection systems means that even if one fails, trains can keep moving, reducing disruption and improving journeys for passengers.”
Jenny Saunders, Thameslink’s customer service director, said: “We’re sorry to customers who may be affected while this work takes place, and we’ll be working closely with Network Rail to keep people moving and provide clear, up-to-date travel information. I’d strongly encourage anyone planning to travel over these weekends to check their journey before they travel.”
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