Disruption to Thameslink trains

Thameslink runs from Bedford to Brighton and Sutton

Rail passengers using a busy commuter line through London will be forced to find alternative routes as the line prepares for a series of closures.

For the next 10 months, Thameslink trains will not run through City Thameslink, Moorgate, Farringdon or King's Cross stations on many weekends and at night.

And from September 2004, there will no through trains for about six months.

This is to allow work to begin on a Eurostar station and a Thameslink station at St Pancras.

Mark Causebrook, Thameslink's Managing Director, said their aim was to minimise disruption.

In planning these closures we have all worked together to minimise the impact Mark Causebrook, Thameslink Managing Director

Work will also start on a series of track and signalling improvements.

Between September 2003 and July 2004 services running to and from Bedford will begin and end at West Hampstead or Kentish Town.

And trains to and from Brighton and Sutton will begin and terminate their journeys at Blackfriars station.

From September 2004, a concrete enclosure will be constructed underground between the existing King's Cross Thameslink station and St Pancras station.

Essential work

This enclosure will ultimately house the new Thameslink station to be known as St Pancras - Midland Road.

During this second phase, Thameslink services to and from Bedford will begin and end at St Pancras.

The service to and from Brighton and Sutton will start and terminate at King's Cross Thameslink station.

Mark Causebrook, Thameslink's Managing Director, said: "The work is essential to bring about long term improvements associated with the construction of a new station and Eurostar services running into St Pancras.

"In planning these closures we have all worked together to minimise the impact.

"We have endeavoured to pick times when services are not so heavily used".