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· Blackfriars Bridge

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TQ3180 : London Blackfriars railway station

A view soon to disappear into history, as part of the Thameslink programme (what was originally called Thameslink 2000, but it has seen a few years' slippage!). From 22 March 2009, the terminating platforms of Blackfriars Station (the ones on the right hand side of this photo) will be closed, with the station demolished. Previously terminating trains are being diverted into the through platforms (on the left) before continuing through City Thameslink, Farringdon and St Pancras to terminate at Kentish Town or further north.

The eastern side of Blackfriars Railway Bridge will then be renewed span by span, with new platforms and a roof installed extending over the length of the bridge. The through lines, which up to that point will have continued to use the western side of the bridge, will then be transferred to the new platforms, after which the operation will be repeated for the western side of the bridge, including widening to utilise the first line of piers of the original bridge (the left hand set in TQ3180 : Blackfriars Bridge).

When complete, due in 2011, the new Blackfriars Station will be accessible from both sides of the Thames, and will be able to handle three times as many trains as the present station. When further work around London Bridge has been completed, the full Thameslink service is due to come into effect, with up to 24 trains per hour passing each way between Blackfriars and St Pancras, serving a far wider range of destinations both north and south of the river than the current service.