Major upgrade planned for Bank Tube station

Bank underground station could be revamped to relieve congestion and provide step-free access.

London Underground is consulting with the City of London over improvements.

It said that the plans include a re-tunnelling of the Northern line, a new entrance on King William Street and lifts to give access to the Northern line platforms.

The number of passengers leaving and entering the station since 2003 has rocketed by a third since 2003, Transport for London said.

Richard Parry, London Underground’s strategy and commercial director, said: “Currently the Northern line platforms at Bank in particular suffer severe congestion during morning and evening peak times, which will get worse as passenger numbers grow.

He said: “This major project to re-tunnel the Northern line at Bank, making more spacious platform areas, with a new entrance on King William Street and four high capacity lifts will relieve congestion at the station and provide step-free access for the Northern line platforms increasing capacity  to meet future demand.

’If this work is not carried out station control measures, such as restricting access at busy times and non-stopping trains, would have to be implemented even more frequently than today.”

The work requires planning permission and a Transport & Works Act Order before it can go ahead. If agreed, work should begin in 2015 and be finished by 2021.