Station improvement works aid redevelopment

The contract involved the shortening of platforms five to eight at King’s Cross station to facilitate the extension of the concourse. Works included the relocation of the buffers to each track, alterations to the
overhead line electrification structure, modifications to signals, track infill and surfacing to platform areas.

In addition an existing footbridge, spanning platforms one and eight which was featured in the Harry Potter films, was removed in a 52 hour possession over Christmas 2008. The bridge was successfully lifted out in eight stages using the largest crane in the country, a rail mounted Kirow 1,200. The sections were transported away by trains for storage and possible re-erection elsewhere. The heaviest section of
the footbridge removed weighed 9.5 tonnes and was 18.5 metres long. These enabling works will facilitate future redevelopment works to be carried out at the station by Network Rail.