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News

Kent rail passengers told to check before they travel on London-bound routes

By: Ellis Stephenson

Published: 00:01, 25 August 2017

Mass disruption is expected on London-bound rail routes from tomorrow - with a queueing system expected to delay passengers by 30 minutes.

The system at Cannon Street station is part of an eight-day programme of major works, which will see key London stations closed.

It is all part of the multi-billion pound government sponsored Thameslink Programme.

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Southeastern Railway tweeted about the fallen tree. Stock image

It will be in place during the days of the working week affected - Tuesday August 29 to Friday September 1.

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This latest phase in the scheme, which is set to transform north-to-south travel through London by providing from south of London to the east coast mainline, is costing £12 million. The scheme is planned to be complete by January 2018.

But as work continues a number of lines are going to be closed over the course of the bank holiday weekend and into next week.

Network Rail and Southeastern are advising travellers using services between tomorrow and Saturday, September 2, including four working days, there will be no Southeastern services to or from London Bridge, Waterloo EastandCharing Cross.

There will also be no trains at Cannon Street tomorrow and Sunday, or at Blackfriars on Monday, August 28, and Saturday, September 2.

When the railway is less busy than usual Network Rail will be moving the Charing Cross lines through London Bridge into a new position and open the newly rebuilt platform 6, which will mean more Charing Cross trains can stop at London Bridge.

Throughout the eight-day period, there will be fewer Southeastern trains running to and from London. Those that do run will be much busier than usual and diverted to other London stations, including Victoria, Blackfriars, Cannon Street and Waterloo.

Video: Disruption is expected on the trains this weekend into next week.

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The firms are also warning that between Tuesday, August 29, and Friday, September 1,there will be queuing systems in place at Cannon Street station during the busiest times, as Network Rail continues to rebuild London Bridge.

Rail bosses are expecting Cannon Street station to be "exceptionally busy" between Tuesday, August 29, and Friday, September 1, as more passengers than usual will be using the station.

During the evening peak, two queuing systems to enter the station will be in operation, one on Dowgate Hill and the other outside the front of the station.

Passengers are being told queues of up to 30 minutes are to be expected and they will need to leave more time for their journeys or avoid travelling during peak times.

Southeastern's train services director Ellie Burrowssaid: "We know it’s a challenging time for our passengers while the work takes place and journeys may take longer than usual.

"We are advising passengers to look in advance at the amended timetable and think about changing their journey or working from home if at all possible.

"If passengers are travelling from Cannon Street in the evening peak they should check our website for live information or follow us on Twitter @se_railway."

Meanwhile Network Rail's Thameslink Programme director Simon Blanchflower said: "Over these eight days we are investing a further £12 million in our Railway Upgrade Plan, which will ultimately lead to better, more reliable journeys to and through London.

"The decision to ask passengers to queue is not one we have taken lightly, but safety is our priority. I would like to thank passengers for their patience."

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