solar penguin wrote:
Hey, guys...


Isn't _anyone_ actually going to answer our questions: How will
introducing the ELLX services affect existing suburban services to West
Croydon and Crystal Palace?

Thus far I have not read/heard anybody who has commented on the LBSCR
service pattern post ELLX. However the revised Thameslink proposals
will be starting to re-emerge shortly.A Public Inquiry into the
Thameslink TWA Order and the project took place between June 2000 and
May 2001. A decision on this was expected around late 2002 but was
delayed due to problems with the design of the proposed new concourses
at Blackfriars and London Bridge stations and the absence of detailed
plans for reinstating the Borough High Street Conservation Area after
buildings had been demolished. Discussions have been ongoing between
the Strategic Rail Authority (SRA)the DfT and the Public Inquiry
inspector regarding the best way forward. IIRC The renewed public
inquiry was to be formally opened on 6th September 2005 and is expected
to last for about two months.IIUC a key contribution to the cost of
Thameslink is now going to come through the complete redevelopment of
London Bridge Station with substantial office and retail development
built over the train decks. The existing London Bridge station is
reaching Health and Safety limits during the peaks so doing nothing is
ceasing to be an option. Dave Arquati's alwaystouchout.com site has
illustrations http://www.alwaystouchout.com/project/23 of what is known
as the "Masterplan". London Bridge through platforms will increase from
6 to 9, with a corresponding reduction in terminating platforms from 9
to 6.This means that in the morning peak hour terminating services will
decrease from 29 to 18. During the construction at the station and the
new grade separated junction at South Bermondsey/Bricklayers Arms
Junction the line from Norwood Junction via Forest Hill is bound to be
disrupted.