London Underground (LU) and Network Rail today announced that Blackfriars Underground station will close from 2 March 2009 until late 2011, as part of Network Rail's Thameslink upgrade programme.
"More seats, less crowding, more direct services and better connections in London"
Andy Mitchell
Network Rail's Thameslink programme Director

More seats, less crowding, more direct services and better connections in London

Network Rail will be redeveloping the Blackfriars station complex; works will include lengthening their platforms to accommodate the new longer trains, a new entrance to the complex on the south bank of the river Thames and the redevelopment of the Tube station.

To accommodate these works, Blackfriars Underground station will need to close until late 2011.

Once complete, the benefits will include:

  • Step free access for both interchange and street level
  • An enlarged Tube ticket hall
  • Refurbished platforms
  • Improved access to platforms

Richard Parry, LU's Director of Strategy and Service Development, said: 'The redevelopment of Blackfriars Underground station is part of Network Rail works.

Easing congestion

'Once the works are complete, customers will get a new upgraded station with step free access, increased capacity and better interchange facilities between the Tube and National Rail services.

'During this time, District and Circle line services will not stop at the station and customers are advised to use nearby Temple and Mansion House stations.'

Andy Mitchell, Network Rail's Thameslink programme Director, said: 'The work we start here at Blackfriars is absolutely vital to this congestion-busting upgrade.

'The Thameslink expansion will deliver what passengers need - more seats, less crowding, more direct services and better connections in London.

'There will be some disruption while we conduct this work - but the prize is great - services tripled and train lengths doubled.

'And the benefits will come soon - many of them as early as 2011.'

Note to editors:

Thameslink upgrade programme will include:
  • Three times more trains between Blackfriars and King's Cross St Pancras going from 8 to 24 trains per hour
  • A new Blackfriars station serving both LU and National rail services with, and for the first time in over 100 years, an entrance on the south side of the River Thames
  • Fifty percent longer trains
  • Around 44,000 passengers use Blackfriars station every day
  • Blackfriars Underground station opened in 1870 and is one of the oldest stations on the network
  • For LU queries please call the Transport for London press office on 0845 604 4141
  • Thameslink upgrade queries please the Network Rail press office on 020 7557 8292/3