Network Rail today welcomed the budget day visit by the Prime Minister and Chancellor of the Exchequer to see one of London’s biggest infrastructure projects.

Network Rail is transforming Blackfriars station into a new London landmark and the first railway station to span the Thames as part of a scheme that will deliver up to 30,000 more seats for passengers.

The project will:

- allow longer trains with more space for passengers to run on the Thameslink route from December 2011

- build the first new station on the South Bank for more than 100 years providing better access to destinations like Tate Modern and Shakespeare’s Globe

- completely rebuild Blackfriars Underground station

Network Rail chief executive, Iain Coucher said:

“On a day when the country is focused on the economy, it is fitting that the spotlight falls on one of London’s biggest civil engineering jobs at Blackfriars station.

“Maintaining investment in rail infrastructure has never been more important. As well as bringing significant benefits for passengers, it is an investment in the future of our country.

“Projects like the Thameslink Programme create jobs and help businesses thrive, playing an important part in keeping London’s place as the number one city in the world.”

The work at Blackfriars station is part of the congestion-busting Thameslink Programme. More details about this scheme can be found at www.networkrail.co.uk/

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