The City of London Corporation is today celebrating the resumption of services on the Bank branch of the Northern line, between Kennington and Moorgate, following a 17-week closure. 

Transport for London (TfL) closed the section of the London Underground line on 15 January to allow for construction of a new southbound platform and customer concourse as part of the Bank Station Capacity Upgrade project.

During the closure TfL built the final sections of a new tunnel, connected the new tunnel to the existing line, installed the final sections of new track, fit out the new platform and concourse and tested new systems.

Three new passageways have also been created which will assist with quicker and easier movement around the station.

From today, Northern line commuters can once again use services from all Bank branch stations.

City of London Corporation Policy Chairman, Chris Hayward, said: “We warmly welcome the resumption of services on the Bank branch of the Northern line, between Kennington and Moorgate. This is a major milestone that will add to the momentum behind the Square Mile’s recovery.

“We eagerly await the full completion of the station upgrade later this year.

“By expanding and improving the station, TfL is recognising how sustainable transportation options are critical in continuing the growth of the Square Mile and the capital.”

City of London Corporation Planning and Transportation Committee Chairman, Shravan Joshi, said: “Today’s reopening of the Northern line’s Bank branch is fantastic news for the Square Mile as our sustainable recovery from the pandemic continues with offices thriving alongside our cultural, retail and hospitality scene.

“It is encouraging to see commuter numbers continuing to pick up pace, demonstrating the City’s enduring power as a world-leading place to do business, as well as an attractive place to invest, work, live, learn and visit.

“We very much look forward to the completion of the transformation of Bank station which will see this vital City commuter hub renewed and made more accessible for workers, residents and visitors.”

TfL continue to carry out further work within Bank station to increase capacity by 40 per cent, while also improving accessibility. This work is expected to finish later this year.