Programme – Phase 1

Project Background Since 1988, the Thameslink rail passenger service has been an Client important north-south link between Bedford and Brighton through UK the city of . Thameslink has also provided a suburban service Location between Luton and the Sutton/Wimbledon loop and makes it possible London, UK to cross London without transferring to .

Start Date Rail usage is now at its highest for 50 years and is forecast to continue 2008 rising; 70% of all rail journeys already begin or end in London and the

South East. The Thameslink route is one of the UK’s busiest. End Date 2013 The principle objective of the Thameslink Programme is to increase

accessibility to, from and through the heart of London by improving Duration and expanding the existing Thameslink service. The programme will 72 months provide the infrastructure to allow a major expansion of Thameslink Contract Value services. Capacity increase is to be achieved by increasing the length £2bn of trains that can be accommodated and the frequency at which they

can travel. Services Provided Whole railway upgrade, systems integration, feasibility design

For more information please visit www.networkrailconsulting.com Scope of Works Key Project Outputs The following work packages comprised platform lengthening works at 14 The key outputs of this project were: phase 1: other stations along the route to increased capacity: up to 16 trains provide 12 car capability, totalling – complete per hour through the core route over 4km of platform lengthening rebuild to accommodate 12 car during the peak period, new journey trains, including rebuilding new 9km of new renewed opportunities and with the added north station (and underground along with 36 new switch and benefit of delivering 12 carriage station below), new south station crossing units services rather than the present and new wider and bigger platforms eight between Bedford and Brighton extensive power upgrades along spanning the the route including a new Auto less overcrowding: easing passenger Farringdon – major rebuilding works Transformer power system on 20km congestion across the Thameslink and creation of new integrated of the , new 20 route and reducing congestion on ticket hall at mega watt substation at Ludgate the tube (particularly the Northern servicing both mainline and LU cellers to provide power and and Victoria lines) with much commuters that will ultimately protection circuits to the relocated improved tube access at the new link into the terminal. dual electrified interface (AC/DC Farringdon and Blackfriars stations The works also required the traction) between City Thameslink better facilities: major investment at lengthening of the platforms to and Blackfriars stations and Blackfriars, Farringdon and platform accommodate 12 car trains and extension power upgrades on extensions at outlying stations to involved major infrastructure the DC traction areas accommodate longer trains remodelling to facilitate the completely new signalling system closure of the lines improved energy efficiency: installed in the core area between 4,410 solar panels on the roof of Borough Viaduct – construction of St Pancras and South of Blackfriars Blackfriars station to generate a twin-track viaduct on the south which is designed for 12 car 850kwh per annum towards the side of the existing viaduct capability as well as the future station’s energy requirements. upgrade to 24 trains per hour. City Thameslink – minor works to facilitate 12 car operation

For more information please visit www.networkrailconsulting.com