TfL on track to meet upgrade deadline

The Bank branch of London Underground’s Northern Line is on track to reopen in mid-May, as planned.

Transport for London has confirmed that the current phase of the Bank Station Capacity Upgrade to connect a new southbound tunnel to the existing network and convert the former southbound tunnel into a new concourse is “progressing well”.

The Bank branch has been closed between Kennington and Moorgate since mid-January, to finalise work on the new tunnel and concourse.

The overall project, which is due to be completed by the end of the year once work finishes to provide step-free access to the Northern Line, a new station entrance on Cannon Street, and new more direct interchanges between the DLR, Northern and Central line, is expected to increase capacity by 40%.

TfL Chief Capital Officer Stuart Harvey said: “We have been making great strides in the intricate and complex work that is required below ground at Bank and are on schedule to finish this phase of the work in mid-May, as originally planned.

“Once complete, the improvements we’re making at Bank will be an important boost for the capital as the city continues to recover from the pandemic.”