Following pressure from Member of Parliament Bob Stewart, jointly with local Councillor Michael Tickner and London Assembly Member Peter Fortune; Network Rail have set out the timetable to replace the footbridge at Beckenham Junction.
Bob, Michael and Peter wrote to Network Rail in October to ask for the timetable and for the notices to be updated, which still claimed the works (which begun in February 2022) would be complete by April. In addition to this Bob submitted a written question to the Secretary of State for Transport asking for his intervention to speed up the process.
Responding to the letter from Bob, Peter and Michael, Network Rail agreed to update the notices to passengers and also said they are looking to now complete the work between Christmas and New Year when there will be fewer trains. This is to ensure the safety of the staff completing the work. Network Rail also apologised for the length of time taken to complete the work.
Responding to the question about why the works could not be completed at the time as maintainable to the Penge tunnel, Network Rail said resource was focused on the works around the tunnel and getting the line opened as soon as possible.
Bob Stewart said:
"The delay in getting this footbridge reopened has meant people being diverted along a narrow pavement next to a busy road when trying to change platforms. The delay to this work with no update or communication has been unacceptable. I welcome the apology and the timetable Network Rail have provided and will continue to take this issue up to ensure the works are now complete."