Work to make way for three new escalators on the DLR concourse of the mole-like Bank station begins on Monday (September 30).
It’s all part of the much-needed modernisation of one of the most unpopular stations on the network – with the aim of increasing capacity set to increase by 40 per cent by 2022. This comes ahead of new higher capacity DLR rolling stock in 2023.
What’s happening at Bank?
The DLR concourse will be reduced to make way for the three new escalators to the Northern line. A one-way system will be put in place with a new dedicated team of staff on hand to help customers.
What should I do?
Transport for London says, “Customers arriving on the Northern line will be able to reach the DLR by the existing fixed staircase. DLR customers wishing to interchange to the Northern line will be redirected by new signage, with staff on hand to assist where needed. DLR customers will be able to enter and exit Bank and Monument stations as usual. To prevent the station becoming overcrowded staff may occasionally guide them through a different route.”
Explain it to me
Stuart Harvey, Director of Major Projects for TfL, says, “Demand at Bank Tube station has risen by around a quarter in recent years and the new escalators to the DLR from the Northern line are essential to managing this increase while making customer journeys quicker and more comfortable by increasing capacity. I apologise to customers who may be affected by the concourse closure. We have planned this work to minimise any disruption to customers and staff will be on hand to help people move around the station.”
What else is going on at Bank?
- A new railway tunnel and platform for the Northern line that will reduce interchange times and create more space for passengers
- Step-free access to the Northern line and improved step-free access to the DLR platforms
- More direct routes within the station, with two new moving walkways helping to speed up interchange times
- Two new lifts and 12 new escalators
- A new station entrance on Cannon Street
Numbers please
The station complex including both Bank and Monument is already one of the busiest on the network, with more than 120 million customers passing through it each year.
The full Bank station modernisation project is now over half way to completion with more than 1000m of new tunnels having been built.
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