New Blackfriars station to span Thames

These pictures show how the new Blackfriars station will look when it opens at the end of 2011.

It will be the first station ever to span the Thames and a new entrance at the base of Blackfriars Bridge will make it the first to be built on the South Bank in more than 120 years.

Its platforms will have glass roofs to provide as much light as possible. The £500 million construction project is part of the £5.5billion programme to improve Thameslink services between Bedford and Brighton via Gatwick.

When the upgrade is complete up to 24 trains an hour - including 12 carriage services - will travel through central London.

Jim Crawford, Thameslink programme director for Network Rail, said: "Work on the south station marks an important milestone in the redevelopment of Blackfriars.

"By the end of 2011, it will be quicker and easier for passengers using Blackfriars to get to homes, businesses and tourist attractions on the South Bank and surrounding area."