WIREDGOV

A contractor has now been appointed for a £36m modernisation of Vauxhall station over the next few years, increasing capacity and improving accessibility.

While work takes place to provide customers with step-free access, the station will remain open.

To create more space for the expected 40 per cent increase in people using the station over the next few years, the ticket hall will be completely reconfigured.

The new layout will see more ticket gates and wide-aisle gates, allowing disabled passengers and those with buggies or heavy luggage to travel more easily, as well as reducing congestion.

The station's subways and stairways will also be refurbished, and a lift installed between the ticket hall and Underground platforms.

Along with the existing lift between the bus station and Tube ticket hall, this will provide step-free access to the Victoria line platforms.

The improvement work is part of Transport for London's wider plans to transform the Battersea Nine Elms area to support economic growth, including around 25,000 new jobs and 16,000 new homes.

David Waboso, London Underground's Capital Programmes Director, said: 'Careful thought has been given to the environmental impact of the works and how we can reduce costs.

'The lift shaft will be constructed from below ground level at the side of the ticket hall to minimise the disturbance in the surrounding area.

'In addition, the shaft and connecting tunnels will be constructed using sprayed concrete lining techniques, which reduces the amount of excavated materials and associated haulage.

'This has already produced significant savings in both utility diversions and construction costs.'

The cost of the work has been reduced by more than £9m, from £45m to £36m, owing to the more cost-effective construction methods.

London Underground has awarded the contract to Bechtel Ltd.

Construction will start next year and is expected to finish in late 2015.