Tube work scaled back for Olympics
- Published: 11 August 2008 17:21
- Last Updated: 11 August 2008 17:21
Part of London Underground's plans to upgrade Baker Street Tube station has been cut back to ensure rebuilding work is completed in time for the 2012 Olympics.
Taylor Woodrow will carry out the £75 million overhaul of the central London station, which has five Tube lines running through it and will be a key hub for ferrying passengers to and from the Olympic site in east London.
LU had originally planned to ensure the whole of the station had step-free access but this would not have been carried out in time.
The easier access will now be created only on platforms 1 to 6 for the Metropolitan, Circle and Hammersmith & City lines.
The deeper Jubilee and Bakerloo lines could get stepfree access after 2012 but no plans have been finalised.
A Taylor Woodrow source said: "There was originally an option in the design for a lift to take people to the level below the Metropolitan."
LU is also seeking a Transport and Works Act Order to ensure the job can start on time as construction on platforms 5 and 6 involves work that LU does not own or control.
The TWAO, which will authorise the compulsory acquisitions of the necessary land, will be applied for in December with a view to receiving permission to go ahead by June 2010.
