Why not just knock down King’s Cross footbridge?

While it is pleasing to hear that Network Rail intends to save £100 million by not slavishly following clearance standards on the footbridge during the forthcoming modernisation of the track layout at King’s Cross, could I suggest a way to make even bigger savings? Why not knock the whole bridge down? ( RAIL 843).

This bridge seems to be used only by a small minority of passengers accessing trains. However, it involves no fewer than five sets of lifts and escalators to the platforms, plus a gate line. All of this must incur substantial running and maintenance costs.

If the platforms are to be extended northwards, then why not extend the concourse area at the southern end and get rid of the ticket gates there at the same time?

This would provide more circulating space for passengers, obviating any need for the footbridge route to the platforms. I understand the gates are normally left open anyway, so there is little point in having them.

In my view, the modernisation of King’s Cross a few years ago was far more expensive than it should have been. Now there may be an opportunity to make some worthwhile alterations, which would at least save on future running costs at little or no overall detriment to passengers.

In passing, I hope the resignalling scheme will also allow for platform renumbering, to rid us of the clumsy Platform 0.