10 June 2010

High Barnet branch of Northern Line will close from 9.30pm Monday to Thursday from July north of East Finchley

10:55am Wednesday 9th June 2010

By Alex Hayes

A REVISED closure programme for Northern Line upgrade works has been agreed which will reduce disruption for passengers in Barnet.
Previously Tube Lines, who were responsible for maintaining tracks, had wanted to shut the entire line north of Stockwell from early evening in July and August.
However, they were told by both Mayor of London Boris Johnson and Transport for London the plans were unacceptable and would cause too much disruption.
Instead the revised work will see the High Barnet branch north of East Finchley closed from around 9.30pm Monday to Thursday from July 5, with replacement buses provided.
The Bank branch between Kennington and Camden will shut at the same times, while the Charing Cross branch will be unaffected to provide a service to the West End.
New plans were agreed ahead of TfL's purchase of Tube Lines after it was agreed to end the partnership, although some closures between Kennington and Morden will still go ahead.
Mr Johnson said: “This is the first sign that we are close to an escape from the dastardly confines of PPP contracts that required closures to be arranged for the maximum benefit of shareholders rather than the travelling public.
“This is vital upgrade work, and some closures will be necessary, but as we take control of Tube Lines and reconfigure the upgrade programme, we’ll be looking to proceed in a way that causes Londoners the least disruption possible.”
Upgrades to signals and tracks will see an increased capacity on London's busiest line and better service for passengers.

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