Works to upgrade the Barking to Gospel Oak Overground will start in June (Image: TfL)
Commuters are set to face major disruption as the Barking to Gospel Oak Overground line closes for eight months so the route can be electrified.
Wanstead Park station, Forest Gate, and Woodgrange Park station, Manor Park, will be affected by the closure that is due to begin from June.
As part of the £130m upgrade, existing two-carriage diesel trains will be replaced with four-car electric stock while work will necessitate the reconstruction of at least 12 bridges to accommodate new power cables.
“Electrifying the line will double capacity on this busy route,” said Mike Stubbs, TfL’s director of London Overground. “It also is needed to enable a new rail extension to Barking Riverside, supporting up to 11,000 new homes.”
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