Huge Investment Project Gets Underway to Bring New Platforms to Peterborough Station

Published 12th March 2012

Network Rail Redevelopment

PETERBOROUGH - Passenger numbers hit four million after growth of 30% at Peterborough triggers a £43m improvement project to the station. Peterborough is a major rail interchange, served by a complex mix of commuter and long-distance services linking all four points of the compass. It is also used by many train companies and varieties of trains.

The Network Rail redevelopment will increase capacity through the station, with two new platforms constructed on the west side of the station for use by trains travelling on east-west routes, freeing up the existing platforms for north-south services. The current platform 3 will also be widened and a new platform added for high speed services.

Platforms 2 and 3 will be extended to facilitate future 12-car Thameslink services, which will also provide direct connections from Peterborough through London to destinations further south..

The main station footbridge will be updated and extended to serve the new platforms, with lifts providing step-free access between the station entrance and all platforms for the first time. These improvements will make travelling easier for everyone, especially those with reduced mobility, heavy luggage or with small children

The number of people travelling between Peterborough and London grew by 30% over the last decade and is set to double between 2009 and 2034 to over eight million.

Platforms by Numbers

As part of this development, platforms at Peterborough station will be renumbered as follows:

Platform 1, a bay platform, will be removed as the current platform 2 will be extended

Platform 2 becomes platform 1

Platform 3 becomes platform 2

New platform 3

Platform 4 remains platform 4

Platform 5 remains platform 5

New platform 6

New platform 7

They Said:

Phil Verster, Network Rail route managing director, said: "We are making a significant investment to improve the railway in Peterborough, providing a better station and more trains for passengers. Rail is vital for Peterborough given its position as a strategic transport hub and this upgrade will provide a real boost to the local economy

The scheme is due to be completed in December 2013 when the station will have a modern main building, extra platforms to increase capacity and reduce congestion, easier access thanks to new lifts and be able to accommodate more and longer trains.

External Links

• Network Rail