Network Rail is starting improvement work at Harringay station this month, as part of a wider project which will see the footbridge strengthened.
The bridge, which currently has the ticket office on it, was built in 1885, and some of the original structure is still in place today. Work is planned to strengthen it, so it remains fit for purpose for passengers to use for years to come.
Work on the first stage of the project will start on Friday 26 February, when teams will begin building a new office for GTR staff on platform 1, where passengers will be able to get travel information. This work will take place behind hoardings over the next few months and has been carefully planned so it will not impact on train services.
As well as bringing more modern facilities, this part of the project will allow the existing ticket office on the footbridge to close, before work takes place to remove it.
Network Rail teams will then carry out detailed inspections of the footbridge, to determine the extent of work and the best options to strengthen it.
Most of the work will be carried out during the daytime, between 07:00 and 17:00, with some parts of the project, such as work to move cables, taking place overnight when no trains are running on the line.
Network Rail is sending information to people who live near the railway to make them aware of the work and let them know that teams are working to keep noise to a minimum. All of this work is being carried out in line with Government guidelines to prevent the spread of COVID-19.
This part of the project at Harringay station is expected to be completed in June. The second stage of work, to strengthen the footbridge, is planned to take place in winter 2021.
Paul Rutter, Route Director for Network Rail’s East Coast route, said: “This project to strengthen the footbridge at Harringay station is vital, so passengers using the station to connect to London or to the East Coast Main Line can continue using it for years to come.
“We need to build the new office on platform 1 first, so that the one on the bridge can close. We’ll then carry out detailed inspections of the footbridge to find out what the best options are to strengthen it.
“We’ve carefully planned this work to avoid any disruption to train services and we want to thank people who live near the railway for their patience.”
Tom Moran, Managing Director for Thameslink and Great Northern, said: “On behalf of our Harringay passengers I welcome Network Rail’s investment in the station’s future. As well as extending the life of the bridge it will create more space at the entrance. There’ll be a convenient new help point for people who need assistance to go down to the platforms.
“These improvements will be complemented by new landscaping as part of our network-wide, multimillion-pound station improvement programme.
“We want all our passengers to enjoy a better station experience when they come back to travel with us. In the meantime, if you have to travel, please remember to wash your hands, wear a face covering and keep your distance.”
Photo credit: Network Rail
