Finish in sight for Victoria railway station concourse upgrade

Work to improve the passenger experience at London Victoria railway station is almost complete, with new ticket gates set to come into use between spring and summer this year.

In theory, travellers can look forward to faster and easier journeys through the station, as the project will reduce congestion on platforms and at ticket gates.

The project includes the creation of a spacious new thoroughfare between platform 14 and the existing escalators to the Victoria Place Shopping Centre, and more space for additional ticket gates by relocating the Gatwick Express ticket to within the existing Southern ticket office.

The work has also included the demolition of existing gateline retail units, with new ones being constructed and new travel information screens throughout the station.

The project also has the benefit, says Network Rail, of enabling more trains to run on time, as congestion at ticket gates makes people take longer to get on and off trains and platforms, leading to delayed trains at busy times.

Des O’Dwyer, Network Rail’s project manager said:“Victoria wasn’t originally designed for the number of passengers using it today, and there can be times when it is very congested.

“To reduce crowding we’re introducing additional gates, and larger concourses for passengers. We’re increasing the number of ticket gates, adding new, wider gates and upgrading eleven others to make them fully automatic so that we can open up and expand the station concourse area.”

Elison Banan, Network Rail’s London Victoria station manager said: “I’m pleased to say that the finishing line is within sight, and passengers will see the gates coming into use by the summer.”

Pictured top: Victoria Station concourse (Picture: Network Rail)