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Railhub Archive 1996-02-27 DoT-001 Department of Transport0
Government gives go ahead to Thameslink 2000 rail project
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         Government gives go ahead to Thameslink 2000 rail project _______________________________________________________________

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type Press release note 57
The Thameslink 2000 project which will extend rail services between the north and south of London through the City has been given the green light, Transport Secretary Sir George Young announced today. In an oral statement to the House of Commons, Sir George confirmed that the #650 million project would be taken forward. The construction of the CTRL terminus at St Pancras provides a unique opportunity to take forward Thameslink 2000 in parallel. The Government has therefore decided that the successful bidder for the CTRL project should construct the main station structure for Thameslink 2000 and the link to the Great Northern Line, and we will be providing sufficient funding to cover the cost of these works. For its part, Railtrack - once in the private sector - will carry out the remaining infrastructure works including the fitting out of the station. The cost of the Governments contribution towards the capital costs of the project will depend on the outcome of the CTRL competition but I expect it to be around #100 million out of the total capital cost of #650 million. With joint funding, and Railtrack and the CTRL promoter taking construction risk for the project, this will be an excellent example of the private sector and the public sector combining to take forward a major investment project. Benefits of the project include: Unique opportunity to relieve congestion particularly through London Bridge station; Increase capacity on existing route from 6 to 24 trains per hour in each direction; Provide significant new opportunities for services from points as far afield as Brighton, Eastbourne and Bognor Regis to the South of London to Bedford, Cambridge and Peterborough to the North; Enhance access links to both Gatwick and Stansted airports; Make it easier for passengers to travel by rail to and from the Channel Tunnel Rail Link terminal at St Pancras. The centrepiece of the project would be a new station at St Pancras adjoining the CTRL terminal. In addition there would be two new rail flyovers at New Cross Gate and Bermondsey, an extra platform and track at London Bridge, additional tracks through Borough Market, rebuilding works at Blackfriars Sir George stressed his commitment to the progressive strategic enhancement of Londons transport infrastructure and made clear that because of interaction with CTRL, Thameslink will now precede work on the Crossrail project for enhancing capacity on east west cross- London routes, complementing CTRL. Sir George continued: On current plans, Thameslink 2000 services can be expected to start within six years. The precise timing will depend on progress on the CTRL and on the time taken for Railtrack to secure necessary authorisation for the works under the Transport and Works Act.
NOTE Public Enquiries: 0171 271 4800 # = pounds sterling
Railhub Archive ::: 1996-02-27 DoT-001
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