Network Rail submits plans to bring Waterloo International back into use

A planning application has been submitted for works to integrate the former Waterloo International Terminal into the domestic station’s operations.

London Waterloo is already Britain’s busiest station, with almost 100 million passengers a year and a train arriving and departing every minute at the busiest times of day. With numbers forecast to grow by 40% over the next 30 years, Network Rail and South West Trains are working together to bring the platforms in the former Waterloo International Terminal back into use so more trains can run.

For 18 years, between 1994 to 2007, Waterloo International Terminal was the London terminus for passenger trains using the Channel tunnel. However, with the opening of HS1, St Pancras International became the London terminus and Waterloo International began to look like a white elephant. However, it is now set to provide five new platforms for suburban commuter services.

The first part of this project involves strengthening three bridges on the approach to platforms 20-24, currently part of the former Waterloo International Terminal, as well as changing the layout of the track and platforms. The proposed construction works involve filling in the gaps between the existing three separate railway bridges which carry the tracks on the approach to platforms 20-24 at Waterloo . Connecting these railway bridges will allow changes to be made to the layout of the tracks into the former Waterloo International Terminal so these platforms can be converted and used for train services to Windsor.

If the planning application is approved, work on the bridges is expected to start in October and is scheduled to be completed by the end of 2016.

The planning application for the proposed work has been submitted to the London Borough of Lambeth. If permission is granted preparation work would be expected to start in October 2015, with construction taking place between November 2015 and the end of 2016.  Associated track and signalling work will then continue until mid-2017.

In addition, plans are also being developed to extend platforms 1-4, to allow 10-car trains to run on the suburban network for the first time.

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