Network Rail has completely reopened Waterloo station in the UK following a series of complex upgrade works that lasted for nearly three and a half weeks.
The modernisation works form part of the £800m Waterloo and South West Upgrade, which included the extension of platforms one to four in order to accommodate longer ten-car trains.
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The programme is expected to increase overall capacity at the station by 30% by December next year and support additional 45,000 passengers during peak hours.
Waterloo station faced some initial disruptions following the reopening, as signalling testing took slightly longer than originally anticipated.
Network Rail route managing director Becky Lumlock said: “The work we have completed in three and a half weeks this August will benefit passengers for decades to come.
“The longer platforms will create space for longer trains, making journeys more comfortable for passengers, particularly at the busiest times of day.”
The modernisation programme began on 5 August and involved a team of 1,000 personnel.
The development included the laying of 1,270m of track, in addition to the installation of 230m of pre-cast concrete.
Other works such as the construction of 160m of new platform space and laying seven miles of cable were also carried out during the refurbishment.
Lumlock added: “Over the next 16 months we’ll turn our attention to the final stages of the redevelopment of the former International Terminal.”
Network Rail is responsible for managing and developing the UK’s rail infrastructure, includes 20,000mi of track, 40,000 bridges and viaducts, signals, level crossings and stations.
Image: London Waterloo – Day 1 v Day 23. Photo: courtesy of Network Rail.
