London 2012: Kings Cross bridge removal

Earlier this year the UK’s Network Rail removed a footbridge in King's Cross station, London as part of the UK£ 400 million (€ 440 million) station redevelopment. Working through the night one of the largest rail-mounted cranes in the country and 158 men removed six beams, weighing 53 tonnes, from supporting columns and overhead electric cables. Following completion of the new platform, a new footbridge will be installed with lifts and escalators serving all platforms from 1 to 8. The old footbridge provided access from platform 1 direct to platform 8, missing out platforms 2 to 7 entirely. The majority of the station redevelopment, including a new platform, will be completed by 2012 in time for the Olympics with the transformation complete by 2013. About 50 million passengers will use the new station each year – 10 million more than today. The new station will include integrated transport links with international and domestic services from St Pancras and the London Underground. The Grade 1 listed station façade will be restored to its former glory by demolishing the current single-storey extension to the station. A new open piazza in front of the station will be created. Network Rail is the owner and operator of UK’s rail infrastructure.