The Bank Capacity Upgrade Works

It's the Bank Capacity Upgrade Works - which brings a new Northern Line platform, new entrance, new lifts, new escalators and even a travelator to Bank Station!
Thanks to TfL for kindly let me inside to go and take a look around, and to do so you have to go in via the disused tube station King William Street ...
TfL Bank Station Capacity Upgrade: tfl.gov.uk/tra...

[@nerd8192]

They demolished a building I worked in - 10 King William St, to create access for this, so I knew about it back in 2014. Thanks for finally making a video about it Geoff!

[@arfski]

Got rid of the entire block! Fascinating to use Google Street View history slider to watch it all disappear. I'm sure they'll put another high rise building on top but it looks nicer as an open space at the moment.

[@SimonLeicester]

I was there in the 90’s when they redid Angel Station and opened up Bank Station to the DLR. Not much fun during construction work but much better when it was done. Bank Station was always filthy and full of soot. This looks another good improvement. Saying that I haven’t lived in London in nearly 20 years and have no real desire to go back.

[@PeterVC]

I find these complex construction works fascinating. Building and drilling through old abandoned station and next to, on top of and in-between other active tunnels. Such a precision work!

[@needtlc]

About time. That was a long walk from the northern line to the central line used to do that 2 times a day 10+ years ago. I changed at London Bridge after a while and got the bus as I hated it in rush hour.

[@graugaarddk]

Cool bonus, about the King Williams Street station. Only ever den it in books. Awesome.

[@ericadodd4735]

So wonderful to see part of the abandoned King William Street station. Excellent video!

[@glenmears3774]

Was waiting for the 15 storey building joke when you're were talking to that guy about step counting...

[@emjayay]

Me too.

[@rockykesha]

I'm loving the videos about the tube, for someone from abroad it's quite impressive to see all the work that's going into this. Please keep making more in the future.

[@whoeveriam0iam14222]

weird to imagine people going through those tunnels every day not thinking about all the work that was put into the tunnels

[@watkinscopicat]

whoeveriam0iam14222 i always think of that when i’m in them

[@gordonachilles4216]

instablaster

[@emxfletch]

1:45 “look at the tiles! Look at the tiles” Ok me at tube stations and the guys sarcastic response is my friends

[@Itsgaryjerry]

Was the walk down the equivalent of a 15 storey building?

[@Dekeullan]

Obviously

[@Hammondfreak]

No, that's another story.

[@mudchute4dlr]

I think they need to make it 30 storeys nos

[@mudchute4dlr]

Now

[@1575murray]

I am amazed at the work done by the engineers and workers who make the improvements to a system that is over a hundred years old (like many other cities including New York have) to modernize and improve it as an investment in the city's future.

[@beckyzwhite]

Please thank John Comins from me. Having seen this repeatedly, my son is now eager for a career in engineering and construction. Hallelujah!

[@williamthebutcherssonprodu227]

Tile-gasm

[@theowinters6314]

Love to see an update on this one two years on.

[@nathantzhang]

I remember watching a video about this in 2016. Now it's ALMOST here!

[@bigjaffa02]

Take a drink every time someone says "shaft".

[@jfw0382]

You would be off the rails

[@MatthewDoel32]

I can dig it.

[@alexleo172]

Take a drink every time someone says "Take a drink/shot every time someone says".

[@emjayay]

Or, "shahhft".

[@maxinehopkins6575]

Doing it bud

[@jonathanravenhilllloyd2070]

Eeeee! Those peeps do amazing things! And thanks for documenting these things withOUT being an American style EXTREME TUNNELS documentary

[@Sir_Foxie_The_Valiant]

I think of bank as the clapham junction of the tube

[@marksinthehouse1968]

Solonduin no not the Clapham junction of the system unlike that filthy dump of a station in south London bank have better staff and not run by rude SWR idiots ,and decent managers unlike Clapham junction Steve Hussain and Christine self who are idiots

[@thesalandarian3314]

Solonduin no

[@maxwellvigil6084]

Yes

[@_Egitor]

Amazing stuff as always Geoff, much love from the Netherlands. Always enjoy the videos immensely even though my interest in infrastructure is purely recreational!

[@FoxCutter]

Fantastic video. I think it's awesome that you get to do thees behind the scenes videos like this and let us see how they build these places.

[@GEORGEonbuses2023]

U are incredibly lucky! I wish I could go. Nice video Geoff!! Can't wait for the platform extention

[@ThomasJM]

Wow this project is huge compared to when the TTC added a platform to union station. They dug out part of the wall on the south side of the station to make a new platform.

[@bruceboa6384]

Let's face it, the TTC is no TfL

[@hublanderuk]

Thanks for a good Video had not realised just what they were doing at Bank and on Cannon Street

[@falkerhard]

Can't wait. Sounds like it will be another angel. They need to do this at more stations.

[@flemingdh]

Interesting (and massive) engineering operation going on underneath an incredibly busy city. Thanks for posting this!

[@dtvfan24]

Thanks so much Geoff. Finally. Nearly fell one day due to the crush at bank platforms

[@roboko6618]

are they really adding more tunnels to bank? I was already getting lost as it is!

[@mr.catzenario66]

Roboko No they're just replacing a tunnel section

[@edwardjoynes7961]

Another great video Surprisingly I all ready knew this was happening!

[@davidsands789]

I hope the travelator will be wider yes WIDER than the one at Waterloo connecting with the Jubilee Line.

[@benjamindenton]

Those patterned tiles can also be seen at Elephant & Castle, on the 'Stair-O-Way'

[@ourresidentcockney8776]

Ah the Bank-Monument connection, great place to train for any athletics!

[@jumpingjflash]

I recall an escalator connection between Bank and Monument in the 60's. It was depicted on the maps as a series of steps. Yes, I was a baby tube nerd, before you were born.

[@HenrysAdventures]

Very interesting! I didn't know this project was taking place. I can't wait to see it finished!

[@PlanetoftheDeaf]

Really looking forward to this, the current Northern Line platforms dangerously overcrowded and the current passageways to get to the Central Line are hopelessly inadequate. A travelator is an added bonus too :-)

[@Treeshaveears]

Excellent piece - well described and funny.

[@musicforaarre]

EXTREMELY INTERESTING. I JUST ATE THIS STUFF UP !!! I'll have to see the maps on the TfL website that you spoke of. - Why is it right hand operation from between Elephant and Castle and Moorgate ? - Joe Brown's London Track Book shows 3 platforms and 5 platforms at Bank (on the Northern). What's that all about ? - I'm excited about the people mover/movator/moving walkway or what have you, also. I totally share your excitement about that and the original tiles also. YES !! - You have 4 letters below your name at 9:48 ! You funny guy, you ! Thanks so extremely much, Aarre Peltomaa of Mississauga, Ontario

[@liyashikor9097]

John comins a good manager he’s quite humble person

[@GeorgiaOverdrive]

God, I wish my city would put this much money into public transport.

[@observer127]

@@WreckItRolfe It's not just the money that governs a project, it is the will power of everyone in the city from citizens to officials to make it happen.

[@stmichealjunction6583]

Thanks enjoyed this nice to see you using the CDM site rules hard hat must be worn all time and hi-vis well done and once again thanks x love your work

[@marktimmis5631]

Great upload Geoff. Love all your stuff.

[@Psychphuq]

Definition of quite soon: 3.5-4.5 years... :D

[@ASLEFshrugged]

If they closed the station it would get done a lot quicker, its not so easy with passengers around.

[@qjtvaddict]

Anglos don’t do fast anything

[@justme-hh4vp]

welcome to Britain..

[@bojack40]

Psychphüq that is soon when you are over 50

[@robtyman4281]

Answer: It's completed now ....four years later! 👏🤨

[@gigteevee6118]

Crazy to see this again in 2022 on opening day!

[@RichardWells1]

Thanks Geoff - excellent programme. Guess this little project has been overshadowed by Crossrail!

[@SamuelFurse]

Very informative and well put together! I hope TfL cover your costs for this :)

[@KofelinaPL]

It's nice to see the original CSLR tiles still intact!

[@kevinlloyd6042]

Very informative... Thanks very much for uploading.

[@GarryJones61]

I worked at Number 1 City Road from 79 to 88. I took the mainline into Cannon Street and walked up Moorgate to City Road. This would have come in handy in the rain but I don't know if I would have used it much, I liked the walk.

[@mixererunio1757]

0:48 Poor guy

[@Gordons1888]

F to pay respects

[@joncurtis199]

Hardly. He will have to wait a matter of minutes until the next train arrives. Always cracks me up when I see people running for tube trains like that. I'd probably go a bit further to say it looked like he would have been happy to block the doors from closing and causing a delay to the train departing.

[@dickmartino9933]

If that happened to me I would just put my head in the way and take the consequences.

[@100temps]

We run for those that wait. We don’t wait for those that run.

[@DavidShepheard]

They need to do this with the two Clapham stations that have island platforms. Those stations are death traps.

[@mudchute4dlr]

Yup

[@ashleyjiscool]

@@mudchute4dlr they aren’t as they have a impeccable safety record (like the bullet trains in Japan) and bank hasn’t had any one die due to the northern line platforms (though a German bomb killed loads of people)

[@mudchute4dlr]

@@ashleyjiscool ok but just because nobody died at bank, doesnt mean nobody will die at clapham north/common

[@ashleyjiscool]

@@mudchute4dlr but the platforms at bank were only a little bigger then the platforms at the Clapham and bank was as busy as they will be in 2100 (probably) so won’t need rebuilding for 77 years (again probably)

[@mudchute4dlr]

@@ashleyjiscool ok they arent as busy, but someone could fall even if theres only 2-3 people

[@alpacinolegend]

Very impressive works

[@kangeroobru]

Awesome job Geoff. Love your work

[@paulgregory6356]

Cheers Geoff I found it fascinating to watch!!!

[@NC-002]

Oh, but surely this is going to "Break the Bank"?

[@stephthestar90]

Maybe it will as it's probably Morden they can afford at the moment. I'll get my Eastcote...

[@NC-002]

And who knows, maybe some political Acton may cause some changes too! That'll come right on Kew (Gardens)

[@stephthestar90]

We shall have to wait and see, but be careful or they might get Charing Cross. They might have a Marylebone to pick.

[@ZamanSiddiqui]

stephthestar90 😂

[@stephthestar90]

That's more than his Rickmansworth! Perhaps his good friend RUSSELL Square is helping him or has a share in it.

[@JarvisChrist]

Nice shaft!

[@peterd440]

I bet you say that to all the boys.

[@nelsonricardo3729]

Ooh. Naughty.

[@pixoontube2912]

This is the kind of Tube stuff that I subscribed for. Keep on going, great video.

[@TWBrit65]

Bank is the biggest subterranean station complex in the world - and now it's getting bigger?? Jeez... I know this as it was my station for the Connect Project years ago.

[@mark-1rc502]

Some of the businesses I do a drop too during the night say that they can hear them digging below them .

[@countertony]

Quite impressed that OpenStreetMap has an outline of the passageways - wonder how they managed that or if it's mostly surmise.

[@ianmurray250]

Hey Geoff, can I suggest you revisit all these type of videos later, say a year later, and add in new views of what things look like afterwards - add-in video snippets of finished buildings, platforms, tunnels, travelators and everything. Would turn these videos into easy to understand historical records 20+ years from now.

[@clarky2356]

Lol that man walking down the escalators reading the newspaper

[@amberlg11]

wow never knew this was going on & i work for the Underground thanks

[@fodaykekuarh3048]

nice video I'm in london right now and thx for showing us this your a life saver.😉

[@LeeSmith-cf1vo]

"the new travelator will be bigger than the one at Waterloo" Longer, or wider? I always thought the one at Waterloo is a tad narrow. Not a lot, just a little bit.

[@peabody1976]

All this wonderful works will makes Bank much better. However, it feels like it would put the kibbosh on any dream of connecting Waterloo & City line to the Northern City line, which would make both much more useful.

[@railotaku]

Crossrail already did that, the Crossrail tunnels leaving Liverpool Street/Moorgate are only a few metres beyond the end of the Northern City Tunnels.

[@staszekr03]

Corey Reid Why didn't i think of that!!! Why Has no one thought of that?

[@highpath4776]

They appear to be digging tunnels - for pedestrians/passengers

[@norbitonflyer5625]

Connecting the two would be difficult because of everything else in the way - starting with the Central Line at Bank. And the platform lengths and tunnel sizes of the W&C (which can only take 4-car Tube size stock) would limit the capacity of such a combined line to much less than that of the existing Northern City (which currently uses six car trains of full main line size). Rebuilding the W&C to main line size would cost more than building a new line (and cause huge disruption whilst it was being done). So if you want a line to connect the GN and SW main lines, better to start from scratch - which is what Crossrail 2 will be.

[@willjones8849]

0:45 sometimes you just gotta feel bad for people

[@GarryJones61]

Have you seen the film Sliding Doors? She misses the tube in one half of the film and makes it in the other half. Two separate films play out based on that moment. Basically, go with fate, if he had made it he might have been flattened by a bus at his destination.

[@srfurley]

I like those C&SLR tiles. There used to be some similar ones at Elephant and Castle many years ago; don’t know if they are still there.

[@marsgal42]

I haven't seen you that giddy over a disused station in a long time. :-)

[@gibbo9089]

Another great video from @geofftech as usual!

[@linesided]

Total respect for the manager wearing sunglasses the whole time he's underground.

[@descendingoncewhile]

Can you discuss the suspensions on the northern line through bank in 2022 and the best ways for travellers to access those stops through other lines/transfers?

[@PlanetoftheDeaf]

For those asking, the northbound platform will expand into the current southbound platform to effectively double in size, though there will still be some of the existing walls left between the 2 current platforms.

[@jackhulatt4811]

3:40 beautiful shaft there

[@googleboughtmee]

Don't suppose you have a pic of that 3d map on the wall? Edit: Never mind... Always read the description and watch to the end of the video!

[@hwinangkoso]

Last station in jay’s song!

[@neiltheboxtankengine3065]

Its like WESTRUIOJLK DAGNEDNIN IF OUGB DIJEIOYBBE *BANK*

[@Inkyminkyzizwoz]

And the only one syllable one

[@Ultimate25-l7b]

NeilTheBoxTankEngine white city Whitechapel Willesden Junction Wimbledon Ruislip Ruislip Gardens South Ruislip West Ruislip Ruislip Manor Great Portland Street Dagenham East Bounds Green Bank

[@Gez-C]

looks great

[@juansdf1]

Go DRAGADOS!! Spain is helping build the future of the UK, I love that

[@garethbisgrove4482]

I had no idea!! Amazing!

[@mrquickogaming]

I wonder how it’s looking now, it would be interesting for Geoff to go back there again.

[@nihalrg]

0:45 that dude better keep running

[@beom0653]

welcome to LONDON Bro

[@nihalrg]

@@beom0653 welcome to london? mate ive always been in london

[@LiftsAndElevatorsOfScandinavia]

All of the works at Bank Station are now complete! The station looks so much better now and is definitely going to reduce some of the congestion

[@oforid2227]

I saw the battersea construction the line to London Victoria and an old train garage or shelter or a depot

[@sharpley753]

Probably won't happen but Clapham North & Common stations could really do with new platforms to ease congestion. The southern part of the Northern line is a nightmare to use at peak times.

[@jhenbob5374]

Really enjoying your videos. Also watching and enjoying your ALLTHE STATIONS channel. Have you finished? I read on google you are going to visit the train stations in Ireland. I will watch. Would love to see you do a series on the Paris Metro!

[@bennunn]

It would be nice if, once the work is complete, part of the old King William Street station could be brought back into use as an entrance/exit.

[@davekirwin]

Spooky, I was up at Bank taking my (non-behinds the scenes) photos on Saturday! Hmm, travelator goodness.

[@jonathanirons231]

1. “Mobility impaired people”. Good man. 2. The sunglasses ;-)

[@jonathanirons231]

Bungle2010 He said "disabled people" and then he corrected himself. It’s a small thing, but it means a lot.

[@ParthaDey97]

Thank God, that platform was insane during morning rush hour

[@jav6315]

Isn't there already a travelator in bank station in the Waterloo and city line part

[@Train-series]

Wow that’s pretty good

[@andreawoelke]

It seems a failed opportunity not to use the old C&SLR tunnels for a travellator to connect Bank to London Bridge. At rush hour lots of people seem to take the Northern Line just for this one stop to connect between Central/District/Circle Lines and Jubilee Line/Trains at London Bridge. A travellator could take a significant chunk of those people off the trains.

[@QPRTokyo]

Interesting. Thank you.

[@SuperCreff]

There's already a direct lift from street level, but if you ever try to use it it's "Unavailable due to staff shortages'. I wonder if the new lifts will be the same.

[@commonsense3482]

With capacity on the tube normally at very high demand just wondering if through your contacts in London Underground are there any plans to lengthen platforms / make station improvements to accommodate longer trains starting on the busiest lines. I appreciate this would be a massive project to undertake as it would require all stations to be improved on the line before potentially 10-12 carriage trains would be able to operate vastly increasing the capacity across London Underground. Also Geoff, with the new projects you are talking about will we be seeing platform edge doors on all LU project sites, appreciate Elizabeth Line will have them, Jubilee line extension does too, however moving forward this type of safety measure is something we must strive towards.

[@metro_ken]

will the new platforms have the platform edge door thingies too

[@peebee143]

Always love your stuff on KZbin!

[@sofiaplatini1148]

My favourite presenter

[@myoldreteacher]

Ahh, video of London underground tunnels being built... "Firestarter, twisted firestarter!"

[@maplerice6226]

Geoff ... "LOOK AT THE TILES! LOOK AT THE TILES!" .... John ... "ya" ... LOL

[@Jamieson1872]

0:45 I feel your pain.