TRAINS to and from London Bridge will be diverted as the station undergoes a complete refurbishment over the next six years.
The work, to include a total redevelopment of the platforms, track and concourse, is part of the £6 billion Government-funded rejuvenation of the Thameslink rail network in London.
Train operator Southern Rail, which runs a regular route to London Bridge from Redhill, Merstham, Horley, Oxted and Caterham, claims the work will not disastrously effect commuters at first. But Network Rail – which is overseeing the project – admits problems could surface as the work progresses.
John Daniels, of the Redhill, Reigate and District Rail Users Association, said: "At the moment the effect is not too great on us.
"But they are going to be taking out several platforms and I think we will certainly be affected later on.
"The service we get to London Bridge is awful in rush hour; there are too many new stops. If I'm still commuting in six years, I might see the benefits of this."
As part of the plans, some peak-time services between Redhill and London Bridge have already diverted to Victoria instead, namely the southbound services in the morning and London-bound services in the evening, in an attempt to minimise commuter disruption.
The project begins next month with the opening of Transport For London's London Overground extension between Victoria and London Bridge.
This will allow Southern Rail to close its service between the two stations.
Then, from May next year, platforms will be closed in sections, which will lead to some timetable changes.
Southern Rail spokesman Chris Hudson claimed the work would not necessarily result in a reduced service, but Network Rail admitted it cannot guarantee services will not be changed, or removed, as the work continues.
Transport Secretary Patrick McLoughlin added: "Train passengers will be the biggest winners from this investment, as London Bridge station is transformed from one of the capital's most congested stations into one of the most modern, accessible and passenger-friendly transport hubs in the UK."
For more information visit www.thameslinkprogramme.co.uk
