Extensive track replacement work is planned on the Northern line's Charing Cross branch commencing in January 2007.

'Following completion of the renewal works, customers should experience an improvement in performance and reliability'

This will see weekend closures from Camden to Kennington on most weekends from 6 January to 9 April.

The essential track replacement is part of the upgrade of the Northern line.

The upgrade, due to be delivered by 2012, will include the installation of a new signalling system which, together with the new track, will deliver a faster, more frequent, and more reliable service for passengers.

The upgrade will cut journey times by an average of 18 per cent, and boost passenger capacity by 21 per cent.

Earlier this year, London Underground announced a major increase in the level of engineering work taking place on the Tube at weekends as part of Transport for London's £10 billion Investment Programme to improve and expand London's transport network.

The work on the Northern line is being undertaken by Tube Lines.

During the weekend work, there will be no service on the Northern line's Charing Cross branch between Camden Town and Kennington.

Passengers should also be aware of a reduced service on the rest of the Northern line.

Mornington Crescent and Goodge Streets stations will also be closed as they are not served by any other Underground line.

David Millard, General Manager, Northern line said: 'The extensive nature of these much needed track replacement works means that it is not possible for it to be undertaken during normal engineering hours and therefore a number of weekend closures are required.

'By carrying out the work at weekends we will limit the extent of customer disruption as fewer people are travelling.

'Following completion of the renewal works, customers should experience an improvement in performance and reliability on the Northern line.'

Passengers are encouraged to check before they travel on the Tube at weekends and plan alternative Tube or bus routes via the following options:

  • The TfL website: www.tfl.gov.uk/tubeworks
  • The London Travel Info 24hrs telephone helpline: 020-7222 1234
  • BBC Ceefax, page 436, or ITV's Teletext, page 164
  • Information on posters, leaflets and "Good Service" boards at stations
  • TfL is investing £10bn over the next five years to improve and expand London's transport network, more than half of that in the Tube
  • Weekend closures will start on 6 January 2007 and will continue every weekend until the weekend of 24/25 March inclusive followed by the Easter Bank Holiday - Friday 6 April to Monday 9 April 2007
  • Tube Lines Ltd is responsible for renewal and maintenance of the Jubilee, Northern and Piccadilly lines