Progress to extend platforms as part of a major upgrade to London’s Waterloo station is shown in new timelapse footage released by Network Rail, available here.

 

The railway operator has closed platforms one to 10 at the station to make room for the work which began almost two weeks ago and is due to complete at the end of the month.

 

During the closure operatives are building extensions onto platforms one to four and modifying platforms five to eight to allow longer, modern trains to run from December.

 

Network Rail’s route managing director Becky Lumlock described the closure as a “crucial stage in one of the most complex and significant engineering projects ever delivered at Waterloo, our nation’s busiest station”.

 

She added: “From the end of this year our passengers will be able to enjoy a much more comfortable journey into this station, with longer, modern trains.”

 

So far the 1000 strong project team of engineers and track workers, operating 24 hours a day, has laid over 1270m of track and demolished more than 376m of platforms to make way for the new ones.

 

The work forms part of an £800M Waterloo & South West Upgrade programme which also includes converting the old Waterloo International Terminal for high frequency commuter use.

 

During the current works the International Terminal is in use to ease pressure on the main station. Meanwhile travellers have been urged to avoid using Waterloo at the busiest times of day where possible.

 

♦ Passengers were advised stay away from Waterloo station on Tuesday after a South West Trains service struck a stationary ‘barrier’ train at low speed and partially derailed. There were no injuries.

 

On the same morning a train hit the buffers at King’s Cross station, leaving two people with minor injuries.

 

(Photo: Network Rail)